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2h ago

Blues Prospect Zach Dean Cleared by NHL/NHLPA Program, Assigned to Springfield

The 22-year-old forward will resume play with Springfield after confidential care through the league’s assistance program.

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Overview

  • St. Louis announced Dean has been cleared to rejoin the organization and will report to the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds on Friday.
  • Dean entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in September and was ineligible for team activities until receiving clearance.
  • The assistance program offers confidential support for mental health, substance use and other personal issues, with Dean’s reasons undisclosed.
  • A 2021 first-round pick by Vegas, Dean was acquired by St. Louis in February 2023 in the trade involving Ivan Barbashev.
  • He appeared in nine NHL games for the Blues in 2023–24 and has 10 goals and eight assists in 60 AHL games, after missing significant time last season due to an October injury.