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David Perron returns to Blues, will take a baseline concussion test next week

Evgeni Nabokov, David Perron

St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron (57) celebrates in front of San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) after defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo scored in the last six seconds of the game to bring the game into overtime in the third period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. The St. Louis Blues defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in overtime. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

AP

St. Louis Blues forward David Perron might have a long a way to go before he recovers from concussion issues dating back to a Joe Thornton hit on Nov. 4, 2010. Still, it must have been uplifting for the team to see him back at the rink, even if he didn’t do much more than hold a press conference today.

The Blues report that Perron has been skating lightly for about a month now, allowing him to make enough progress to at least continue his rehab process in St. Louis at the moment. An even better barometer should come next week, when Perron will take a baseline concussion test. The team revealed that the plan will be for him to workout off the ice until he’s ready to practice with the Blues again.

There is no time table for Perron’s return just yet. Merely seeing old teammates again and meeting new Blues players lifted the young forward’s spirits today.

“It’s good to be back in St. Louis and seeing all the guys before practice, and meeting the new guys also,” Perron said Monday. “I’m just excited to (have been) driving back to St. Louis over the weekend with my two dogs. Thanks to the organization, to (Doug Armstrong) and (John Davidson) and everyone that has been so patient with me. They haven’t given me any pressure to come back so it’s been good.”

Who knows when Perron will be able to return, but he would fit in nicely with a team that might take a scoring-by-committee approach. While the Blues feature some formidable offensive weapons - particularly T.J. Oshie, David Backes and Chris Stewart - the thing that makes them an intriguing dark horse candidate is their offensive depth. Perron reached the 20-goal mark in 2009-10, so having him around would just drive the point home that much more.

In the same way that the Pittsburgh Penguins are handling Sidney Crosby’s concussion issues, the Blues are wisely being careful with Perron. It’s understandable for people - especially Perron - to feel antsy about getting him back into the lineup, but this is the best option in the big picture.