41 Robert Bortuzzo D

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Dishes helper, punches Thursday

Bortuzzo picked up his fifth point of the season before throwing down with Tom Wilson in the second period, much to the delight of the St. Louis crowd. With little offensive production or peripheral stats to his credit, the 29-year-old is more valuable to the Blues for his veteran presence than to most fantasy owners.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Renews contract for three years

Bortuzzo doesn't log heavy minutes -- he's only averaging 15:54 of ice time per contest -- but the rugged shutdown defenseman isn't afraid to step into the play, as evidenced by his 375 blocked shots and 636 hits over eight years of service time split between the Penguins and Blues.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Ready to rock

Bortuzzo's return to action should help shore up St. Louis' leaky defense, but it won't impact many fantasy lineups, as he's only totaled five goals and 14 points in 77 appearances over the past two campaigns. The 29-year-old will skate with Jay Bouwmeester on the bottom pair against Colorado.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Will travel with team

Bortuzzo hasn't played since Oct. 20 versus Toronto, a stretch of 15 games on the sideline. With the blueliner potentially missing Wednesday's clash with Detroit and beyond, Jordan Schmaltz should continue slotting into the third pairing until Carl Gunnarsson (upper body) is ready to return to the lineup.

Blues' Robert Bortuzzo: Begins skating

Considering the team was unwilling to speculate on a specific timeline -- combined with the fact he is just getting back on the ice -- it's pretty safe to assume Bortuzzo remains week-to-week at this point. In his five outings this season, the defenseman saw just over 12 minutes of ice time per game and likely will be utilized sparingly even once activated off injured reserve.