News:Vladimir Sobotka got an assist on the only goal of the game as the Blues shutout the Predators 1-0 Tuesday.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka is really a role player in St. Louis as he spends a lot of time shadowing the other team's top wingers and killing penalties. He does make the most of his opportunities when he gets them. He is a better real hockey player than a fantasy player.
News:Vladimir Sobotka had the hat trick Saturday afternoon in St. Louis' come-from-behind overtime victory over San Jose. The tallies give him six goals in the last five games.
Analysis: Jump on Vladimir Sobotka quick. The Blues are still without three top-nine forwards and Sobotka is getting plenty of ice time on St. Louis' hottest line. This recent hot stretch has landed him on the Blues' power play, on which he scored one Saturday's goals.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored a goal and had three shots on net in 18:03 of ice time Thursday night in St. Louis' 6-3 win over Phoenix. It was his third goal in the past four games.
Analysis: After injuries hit the Blues' forward ranks petty hard, Vladimir Sobotka was elevated from the fourth line and has been productive. Normally a fourth-line hitter with good PK skills, Sobotka has averaged 16:24 of ice time in the past eight games. He's not skating with the Blues' elite point producers, but he's getting the ice time, including nearly two minutes on the man-advantage Thursday.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored the game-winner Friday in St. Louis' 4-2 win over Edmonton. He also assisted on a goal with three shots and four hits in 16:23 in the win.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who began the season on the fourth line, has been forced into a larger role due to injuries and other factors. With uncertain return dates for Andy McDonald (knee) and Vladimir Tarasenko (concussion), Sobotka should remain in a top-nine role for the immediate future.
News:Vladimir Sobotka remained on the Blues' second line for Tuesday night's 2-1 loss to San Jose. He assisted on St. Louis' lone goal, had two shots and three hits in 15 minutes.
Analysis: Rookie Jaden Schwartz, who began the season on the second line with Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart, has been demoted to fourth-line duty for now. The second line is the Blues' most productive right now, giving Vladimir Sobotka greater chance for points than he had when skating with Ryan Reaves and Scott Nichol. He has two assists in two games since joining Berglund/Stewart.
News:Vladimir Sobotka had one assist, one blocked shot and a team-leading five assists Sunday night in St. Louis' 4-3 shootout win over Vancouver. The point was Sobotka's first in eight games.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka has been skating mostly on the fourth line and on penalty-kill situations, so points don't fall into this lap. He got an in-game promotion Sunday, replacing rookie Jaden Schwartz on the second line, and assisted on Patrik Berglund's third-period goal. There are times during games when he he'll skate with players on the top three lines, but most of his ice time comes with the fourth liners.
News:Vladimir Sobotka will be promoted to the second line beginning with Thursday night's game against Columbus, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. He moves up from the fourth line to replace rookie Jaden Schwartz.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka was promoted in-game during the Blues' most recent contest and scored the game-winner in overtime against Minnesota. He's not known for his offense in the NHL, but Sobotka did have 10 goals and 15 assists in 27 games while playing for Slavia Praha HC in the Czech Republic.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored an overtime goal to give St. Louis a 5-4 win over Minnesota on Sunday.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who skates on the Blues' fourth line, has points in three straight games. He has one goal and two assists through the first six games of the season. This is a pace he's unlikely to maintain, but he will get a regular turn most nights.
News:Vladimir Sobotka was moved to center on the fourth line for Tuesday night's game against Chicago. He was a minus-1 in 12:43 with one shot on goal, three hits and won six of 13 faceoffs.
Analysis: The human Swiss-army knife plays many roles for the Blues, including one as a regular on the penalty-kill unit. He opened the season as a fourth-line winger, but was moved to center when Scott Nichol was a healthy scratch.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored a goal with three shots and two hits in 17:01 in Thursday's shootout win over Nashville.
Analysis: Injuries have forced Vladimir Sobotka into a more offensive role, but he was coming off a poor effort against the Bruins the night before when he was moved to the first line. His turnaround Thursday earned him the game's first star.
News:Vladimir Sobotka, who was promoted to the first line for Wednesday night's game against Boston, did not record a shot or hit and was minus-2 in 14:50 in St. Louis' 4-2 loss.
Analysis: The injury to Jamie Langenbrunner prompted some juggling from Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock, who likes Vladimir Sobotka's versatility, though he would like to see him develop more offensively. "We'd like him to hit the net a little bit more," Hitchcock told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "He's wearing out the glass in some of the buildings. But if we can get him hitting the net a little bit more, he'll be all right."
News:Vladimir Sobotka will skate on the Blues' first line, along with David Backes and T.J. Oshie, Wednesday night against the Bruins, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock is shuffling some players in response to the foot injury that removes Jamie Langenbrunner for the next four weeks, at a minimum. Hitchcock likes to slide Vladimir Sobotka all over the lines, and he's made cameos on the first line at times. If he stays with Backes and Oshie long term, there could be some value had.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored his third goal of the season Saturday in St. Louis' 4-0 win over Minnesota.
Analysis: Sokotka shouldn't be a fantasy regular, but he has been a Mr. Everything for the Blues, skating on all four lines and both special teams. He earned the game's second star Saturday with four shots on goal, four hits and was a winner in seven of his 10 faceoffs.
News:Vladimir Sobotka will skate on the Blues' top line Friday night against Los Angeles, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Sobotka has been dispatched all over the Blues' lines this season, and Friday's assignment isn't a permanent one either.
Analysis: "I think Vladimir Sobotka's role is going to depend on the opposition," St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock said. "I think it's going to depend on whether I'm able to get a matchup I want. He's good on any of those three lines, but ... we're going to have a difficult time getting a matchup on the road, so there might be a change." Sobotka, who brings more value than his 12 points in 40 games might imply, is merely keeping this first-line spot warm until Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from their concussions, which is expected shortly.
News:Vladimir Sobotka returned to the Blues' lineup Friday night after missing nearly three weeks with a foot injury. He played 15:10, had a shot on goal, a team-high three hits, and won three of five faceoffs in St. Louis' shootout loss to Nashville.
Analysis: With the news of Alex Steen sitting out Friday night's game with concussion-like symptoms, Vladimir Sobotka may find himself in a top-six role while Steen is unable to play.
News:Vladimir Sobotka, who has missed a little more than two weeks with a foot/ankle injury, will play Friday against Phoenix, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac.
Analysis: With just 10 points in 27 games and minimal power play time, we doubt this is a fantasy earth-shaker, but Vladimir Sobotka plays with a decent spark and when healthy he's probably just the type of player coach Ken Hitchcock wants to fill out his forward lines.
News:Vladimir Sobotka (foot/ankle) practiced Thursday, but is questionable to play in Friday night's game against Nashville, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who has missed a little more than two weeks with the injury, will be re-evaluated during the day Friday before a decision is made as to his availability.
News:Vladimir Sobotka (foot) is expected to practice Thursday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who has missed a little more than two weeks with a foot injury, is looking to return this weekend, though his status for Friday's game in Nashville is not yet confirmed.
News:Vladimir Sobotka (foot) could return to action this coming weekend, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The original two-week prognosis for Vladimir Sobotka's return was Tuesday, so he's close to getting back on the ice.
Blues' Sobotka Does Morning Skate, Unlikely To Play Monday
News:Vladimir Sobotka (foot) participated in Monday's morning skate, but it's doubtful he'll play Monday against the Stars, NHL.com reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka was originally projected to miss two weeks with the injury, which would have him returning to the ice for Tuesday's game against the Red Wings.
News:Vladimir Sobotka (foot) has shed his walking boot and crutches and will travel with the Blues to Colorado for Wednesday night's game, the In The Slot blog reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka will not be playing Wednesday, but we are nearing the two-week point when he'll be re-evaluated. According to that original two-week timetable, Tuesday at Detroit would be the earliest possible game for his return.
News: The Blues placed Vladimir Sobotka (foot) on injured reserve Tuesday, according to the team's official website.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka will rest for two weeks before being re-evaluated, so his absence will not be brief. The Blues have not announced who will take Sobotka's place on the roster or in the lineup.
News:Vladimir Sobotka was injured in practice Monday and was seen leaving the building on crutches with a walking boot on his left foot, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: No word yet on the severity of the injury, but right now he looks unlikely to play Thursday against the Rangers. If he just rolled his ankle he might be able to play but keep an eye on his status before putting him in your lineup.
News:Vladimir Sobotka was run into the boards in the first period of Saturday night's game against the Sharks, but returned to the ice after a brief visit to the dressing room, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka was shoved by San Jose defenseman Justin Braun and was pretty groggy when he skated off the ice.
News: Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock moved Vladimir Sobotka to center on the third line, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Hitchcock is starting to see the untapped potential in Vladimir Sobotka, who has filled several roles in his one-plus seasons with St. Louis. "He's too good of a player," Hitchcock said. "He's going to get some power-play time, he's going get some two-way play. I'd like to see him play in that role because I think he's an underused player and I'd like to take advantage of that."
News: David Perron's return from a concussion Saturday triggered movement among the Blues' lines, but Vladimir Sobotka remained on the third line.
Analysis: When the dust had settled, Chris Stewart moved to the third line with Jason Arnott and Vladimir Sobotka, dropping Jamie Langenbrunner to the checking line. The Arnott line has consistently generated scoring opportunities, though not always finishing them off, so it can be a good spot for a any of the Blues' forwards. Sobotka picked up his eighth assist of the season in Saturday's 5-2 loss when he assisted on a goal by his new linemate, Stewart.
News:Vladimir Sobotka returned to the Blues' lineup Friday night after missing two games with a fractured bone in his mouth.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka was back to being his feisty self, delivering four hits and getting five shots on net in 18:33 of ice time. The return of David Perron (concussion) Saturday night will send a ripple effect through the lines, so we'll be watching to see if Sobotka is moved off the third line. While he hasn't been a productive player in terms of offense, Sobotka has been a consistent effort guy to start the season. It looks like Perron's return will send either Sobotka or Matt D'Agostini to the fourth line.
News:Vladimir Sobotka (mouth) will return to action Friday in Colorado, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who missed Tuesday night's win over Washington, is traveling with the team following an oral procedure he underwent after getting hit in the face by a puck.
News: The Blues are holding Vladimir Sobotka (mouth) out of Sunday's game in Columbus, but he is expected to play Tuesday night in Washington, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock called Vladimir Sobotka's injury "a fracture in the bone area of the teeth," but it's not expected to sideline him very long. Sobotka was hit in the mouth during the final moments of Friday's win over Calgary.
News:Vladimir Sobotka will not make the Blues' next road trip due to a "fracture in the bone area of the teeth," Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.
Analysis: The Blues don't play at home again until December 3, and it looks like Vladimir Sobotka will miss at least three games as a result. His offensive impact can be replaced, however -- he only has nine points and 32 shots through 22 games.
News:Vladimir Sobotka received stitches to close a cut near his mouth he suffered in St. Louis' 2-0 win over Calgary on Friday, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: Sobtoka took a shot off the face mask late in the third period and skated off the ice. He is apparently fine, but we're awaiting confirmation that he'll play Sunday in Columbus.
News:Vladimir Sobotka left Friday night's win over Calgary after taking a puck off his facial area.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka was dripping blood from the area as he skated off the ice mostly under his own power. We expect more details Saturday.
News:Vladimir Sobotka set up Alex Pietrangelo with the game-winning goal in St. Louis' overtime win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka usually involves himself in some way every night, though not always on the scoresheet. The overtime win was the second for the Blues this season and the second time the game-winner was set up by Sobotka.
News:Vladimir Sobotka has been moved from St. Louis' top line to the third line for Saturday night's game against the Lightning, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Sobotka swaps spots with Alex Steen on a line with Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner.
Analysis: This isn't a move based on performance, as Vladimir Sobotka has been playing well in whatever role has been handed to him. Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock is making the move to put himself in a position to have one complete line available following a power play. And he feels there's more continuity this way, while minimizing the confusion when a line change is due after man-advantage situations.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored his first goal of the season Tuesday night in the Blues' 3-0 win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka muscled the puck past Corey Crawford from in close to give the Blues a first-period goal, an event that hasn't been happening on a regular basis for the Blues.
News:Vladimir Sobotka won an offensive zone faceoff and assisted on the Blues' winning goal in Friday night's overtime win over Carolina. He won 12 of 18 faceoffs Friday and now leads the Blues at 61.4 percent.
Analysis:Vladimir Sobotka, who opened the season on the fourth line, has steadily moved up to where he's now skating on the Blues' top line and getting some run on the power play. On a few occasions during the past week, head coach Davis Payne has labeled him as one of the team's better forwards to open the season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
News:Vladimir Sobotka has been moved up to the Blues' top line for Friday night's game against Carolina, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Blues coach Davis Payne is in scramble mode after his team put up a stinker against the Kings on the final game of their road trip Tuesday. With Andy McDonald (concussion) out for an undetermined amount of time, first-line minutes are up for grabs.
News: The Blues have moved Vladimir Sobotka up from the fourth line to the second line for Saturday night's game against the Sharks, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: This is the chain reaction from the Andy McDonald head injury. T.J. Oshie is taking McDonald's spot on the first line, and Vladimir Sobotka takes Oshie's spot on the second line.
News: Blues head coach Davis Payne said Vladimir Sobotka will be used as a winger this season, the In The Slot blog reports. Initially, it looks like Sobotka will ride the fourth line with center Scot Nichol.
Analysis: "The initial thought is to use him on the wing," Payne said. "He and I talked about that. I thought he played very well there last year. He made that adjustment, had some real strong games there. Scotty Nichol coming into the fold, we feel we've really strengthened that middle. I feel like those two guys would make a real good tandem." Vladimir Sobotka filled many roles last season for the Blues and will likely be handed similar duties in 2011-12. He was a mainstay on the penalty-kill unit, but was also required to fill in as a top-six forward at times.
News: The Blues have signed Sobotka to a three-year contract extension, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: With seven goals, 22 assists and 69 penalty minutes in 65 games this past season, Sobotka has yet to tap into his offensive potential, but for now the Blues are content with the versatility he displays as a scrappy jack-of-all trades forward.
News: Sources indicate the Blues are close to announcing a three-year extension for Sobotka, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues acquired Sobotka last summer from Boston and he went on to score seven goals with 22 assists and a minus-4 in 65 games. He provides good work on the PK and slots in as the team's third-line center, though injuries forced him to be a top-six forward for stretches of last season.
News: Sobotka had two assists in Sunday's win over Columbus.
Analysis: Since returning from a foot injury four games ago, Sobotka has resumed his role as third-line center and gifted playmaker with one goal and four assists. He's set career-high scoring numbers in 2010-11 while being a trusted member of the team's PK.
News: Sobotka (foot) will return the Blues' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Wild, according to Lou Korac of the Alton Telegraph.
Analysis: Sobotka has been out a month after taking a puck off his foot.
News: Sobotka skated Monday for the first time since suffering a cracked bone in his left foot, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Sobotka, who has missed 11 games thus far with the injury, was projected to miss four weeks and is now considered a few days ahead of schedule. "I've been rehabbing everyday, but actually I'm surprised I was out on the ice today," Sobotka said. "It seems sooner, but I have a young body and good healings. I wish I could play some games (before the season) is over, but there is no timetable. I'm going to get my foot 100 percent."
News: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Sobotka will miss a month with a cracked bone in his left foot, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: The Blues brought up some reinforcements from AHL Peoria the last two days to help fill the void created by Sobotka's injury.
News: Sobotka will sit out Tuesday's game after taking a shot to the foot early in Sunday's loss at Calgary, the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis: The plucky Sobotka has just three points over his last 16 games, but the Blues will miss his face-off and penalty-killing ability while he is sidelined.
News: Sobotka (foot) will attempt to skate Tuesday morning to determine his availability for Tuesday night's home game against Calgary, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Sobotka was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Flames when he took a shot off the foot while attempting to block a shot. If he can't go, look for Chris Porter, who was called up from AHL Peoria on Monday, to take his spot on the third line.
News: Sobotka left Sunday's game after taking a puck off his left foot in the first period and did not return, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: Brad Winchester moved up from the fourth line to replace Sobotka, while Alex Steen handled faceoffs. The team is calling it a lower-body injury and we're waiting for an update from the Blues as they prepare for Tuesday's rematch at home against Calgary.
News: After playing most of the season at left wing, Sobotka has been moved back to center and is the Blues' penalty-killing specialist, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Sobotka is essentially taking over the role that had belonged to Jay McClement before he was traded to Colorado over the weekend. In three games since the trade, Sobotka has won 29-of-47 (62%) of his faceoffs.
News: Sobotka dropped the puck into an empty net Friday night against the Sabres.
Analysis: Sobotka now has 23 points (6 G, 17 A) in 52 games, though this was only his first goal since December 28. He shows up in the box score far too infrequently to warrant anything more than a quick glance in fantasy circles.
News: Sobotka picked up a goal in Tuesday's win over Chicago to extend his point streak to four games.
Analysis: It's not quite the streak Sidney Crosby is on, but it's a start. Yet one negative on Sobotka is his shot on goal totals. In 32 games this year, he has just 34 shots on goal. It's awfully difficult to remain relevant in fantasy leagues when you are barely averaging one shot on goal a game.
News: Sobotka had a goal and an assist in St. Louis' win over Atlanta on Tuesday. The two points leaves him with a career-high 13 points (4 G, 9 A) through 29 games.
Analysis: Sobotka assisted on the game-winner, and then pocketed a short-handed goal into an empty net to secure the win. Injuries have forced the Blues to use Sobotka on their top two lines, so there will be some scoring nights for him until the team gets back David Perron, Andy McDonald and T.J. Oshie.
News: Sobotka scored a goal and added two assists in Thursday's win over the Kings.
Analysis: He hadn't done a whole lot since his promotion to the top line, but maybe this is the start of something good for Sobotka.
News: Sobotka scored a power-play goal in St. Louis' 4-1 over Columbus on Thursday. It was just his second goal of the season and came in his first game skating on the Blues' top line.
Analysis: Despite the promotion to the first line, he wasn't getting a regular shift on the power play, and his ice time (15:19) wasn't that much different than he's been getting of late. His goal came near the end of the man advantage situation after the first unit was taken off the ice. Still, he's on the top line for now and there could be more scoring chances for him skating with David Backes and Brad Boyes than he would normally receive with linemates like Brandon Crombeen and Jay McClement.
News: Sobotka will skate at left wing on St. Louis' first line, replacing the injured Andy McDonald (concussion), when the Blues face the Blue Jackets on Thursday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. In theory, this means Sobotka will be in a position to register more points, but the Blues' offense has been sub-par even when everyone was healthy.
Analysis: Sobotka hasn't forced this promotion with prolific scoring, but he has played well. In addition to his duties on the top line, we expect Sobtoka to skate on one of the power play units -- he was given 3:10 on the man-advantage in the team's 3-2 win in Vancouver on Sunday. He began the season centering the fourth line and has been the obvious choice to promote because of the injuries. He'll be skating with David Backes and Brad Boyes.
News: Sobotka picked up three assists in Tuesday's loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Even with Tuesday's fantastic effort, Sobotka has just seven points in 19 games this season. He's worth keeping an eye on since he's getting a lot of playing time right now, but he's not currently a fantasy option.
News: Sobotka lined up at left wing on the Blues' second line during Monday's practice in preparation for Tuesday's game in Chicago, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. His new linemates are center Patrik Berglund and right winger David Backes.
Analysis: The Blues have become very top heavy with their first line generating much of team's offense lately, so coach Davis Payne is attempting to distribute offense more evenly. Backes drops from the first line while Alex Steen is promoted to the top unit.
News: Sobotka (shoulder) played just 7:14 in Monday's loss to the Blackhawks in his first game of the season.
Analysis: Playing on the fourth line, Sobotka was held off the score sheet, failing even to get a shot on net.
News: The Blues activated Sobotka (shoulder) for Monday night's game against Chicago, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: Sobotka will be making his debut for the Blues after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He'll center the fourth line with Matt D'Agostini and Brad Winchester on the wings.
News: Sobotka (shoulder) centered the Blues' fourth line during Sunday's practice, but the team would not say whether he will play Monday night in Chicago, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues did assign Ryan Reaves to Peoria on Sunday, a sign that Sobotka is just about ready to return. He'll center a line with Matt D'Agostini and Brad Winchester.
News: Sobotka (shoulder) will not play in Saturday's game in Dallas, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues are taking it slow with Sobotka, who skated Saturday and underwent contact for the second straight day. "It's a long step from conditioning and rehab to all of a sudden being in contact situations and establishing a little bit of comfort with that," Blues head coach Davis Payne said. There's been talk that Sobotka will be ready to play during the team's current road trip, which closes out Monday in Chicago.
News: Sobotka (shoulder) has been cleared for contact and he is expected to join the team for practice Friday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues will work him out in practice under game conditions to get him in game condition. There's a chance he'll be active for Saturday's game in Dallas.
News: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Sobotka (shoulder) could join the team on its three-game road trip, the Belleville News Democrat reports. Sobotka flew to Boston on Wednesday to see the doctors that performed surgery on his shoulder.
Analysis: If cleared medically, Sobotka will engage in some contact practices before being activated. He's penciled in to center the fourth line, though Matt D'Agostini has had a nice start to the season filling in for Sobotka. St. Louis begins a three-game trip in Nashville on Thursday and continues on to Dallas (Saturday) and Chicago (Monday).
News: Sobotka will be placed on injured reserve this week because of a shoulder injury and will miss the start of the regular season, the Belleville News Democrat reports.
Analysis: Sobotka has been skating with the team, though wearing the non-contact red jersey, and is not expected to miss many games. "Even though he's got the red jersey on, he probably had a little but of contact today," Blues head coach Davis Payne said. "He's just itching to get that thing off and get cleared." Sobotka is scheduled for a final examination Oct. 13. After that, it should be a matter of a few practices to get him accustomed to being hit and get his game-type conditioning back.
News: Sobotka (shoulder) skated with the Blues for the second straight practice Saturday, though he's still wearing the no-contact jersey, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Sobotka, who's been skating before practices, finally joined his teammates Friday as he works his way back from shoulder surgery last May. He won't receive full clearance to practice until Oct. 13 at the earliest, when he meets with his physician in Boston.
News: Sobotka, who had offseason shoulder surgery, has been skating every day before the Blues practice and will join the club when cleared by doctors, but it's apparent that he won't be available by the season opener Oct. 9, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues knew about the injury to the ex-Bruin when they dealt for him, and it doesn't seem like he's going to miss a great deal of time in 2010-11. Sobotka projects as probably a third- or fourth-line guy this season once he's healthy. He's versatile and can play wing or center.
News: Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said Sobotka (shoulder) will be held out of contact drills for at least another 10 to 14 days, the Belleville News-Democrat reports.
Analysis: "He's right on schedule to what we thought," Armstrong said. "He's training on the ice on his own prior to practice. I would say early next week we'd have another evaluation on where he's at and get another good read on it." Sobotka is expected to have a spot on the Blues' roster -- likely as a third- or fourth-line forward -- though his start might get pushed back into the early part of the regular season.
News: Sobotka will have his shoulder evaluated during a physical on Friday, when the Blues report to training camp, the Belleville News-Democrat reports.
Analysis: Sobotka, who had offseason shoulder surgery, is expected to be held out of contact drills for at least a week and maybe more. He may not be fully cleared for the start of the regular season. "He came in and saw our medical staff and we're very comfortable with the surgery and the rehab," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said when asked about Sobotka. "When we traded for the player, we understood he might miss training camp and even early October. But it's nothing that precluded us for making the deal." If Sobotka can't open the season, it will give an opportunity for newcomer T.J. Hensick to crack the opening-night roster.
News: Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka returned to action Saturday after missing one game with a head injury.
Analysis: When healthy, Sobotka is just a lower-line forward for Boston and has minimal Fantasy value.
News: Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka missed Thursday's game against the Lightning due to a head injury. He was hurt during Tuesday's game against the Thrashers.
Analysis: Sobotka has a pair of assists in his last six games, but his play is still nothing to write home about. He mostly chews up lower-line time and has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Boston C Vladimir Sobotka went out in the first period Tuesday against the Thrashers with an undisclosed injury and didn't return. He had no points in 51 seconds of ice time.
Analysis: Sobotka has a pair of assists in his last six games, but his play is still nothing to write home about. He mostly chews up lower-line time and has minimal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka failed to record a point and finished at minus-1 on Monday against the Rangers. He was also off for two minor penalties. Sobotka has only one point in his last nine games.
Analysis: Sobotka has had a ton of success playing in the AHL, but he has yet to translate that onto the NHL level. He has only seven points in 31 games this season and mostly plays on the Bruins lower lines. Sobotka has marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka, who was dealing with an illness earlier this week, scored in Friday's loss to the Canadiens. The point was his first since October.
Analysis: Sobotka didn't pick up a point in all of November, so he isn't exactly in a Fantasy groove right now. Continue to ignore him in the majority of formats.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka played only 7:14 on Wednesday night. Coach Claude Julien said Sobotka became ill through the course of the game.
Analysis: Sobotka failed to record a point in 12 November games, so his presence in Fantasy won't exactly be missed if he's not able to play on Friday night. He has little Fantasy appeal until his numbers improve.
News: Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka failed to record a point and finished at even on Wednesday against the Lightning. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. He has no points in his last 13 games.
Analysis: Sobotka went the entire month of November without a point. He has bounced between the AHL and NHL at times in 2009-10, but when he has been with Boston, he has played primarily on the lower lines. He has little Fantasy appeal until his numbers improve.
News: Rookie Tuukka Rask turned aside 18 shots for his second shutout in eight NHL starts, and Blake Wheeler and Vladimir Sobotka set each other up for goals to lead the Boston Bruins to a 2-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. Rask was locked in a scoreless duel with veteran Nikolai Khabibulin until Wheeler converted on Sobotka's hard work 2:47 into the third period. Sobotka finished off a 2-on-1 at 7:02.
Analysis: Sobotka's two points scored Saturday gives him three points on the season. Sobotka has been up and down between the AHL and the NHL the last two seasons and has minimal Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Bruins assigned C Vladimir Sobotka to the AHL on Wednesday.
Analysis: Sobotka has been up and down between the AHL and the NHL the last two seasons. Until he finds a permanent spot in Boston he has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Boston Bruins placed forward Petteri Nokelainen on injured reserve on Friday and recalled forward Vladimir Sobotka on an emergency basis from their AHL affiliate in Providence.
Analysis: Sobotka has split the season between Boston and Providence. He has one goal and three assists for the NHL club. He remains just organizational depth and has little to no Fantasy value.
News: TSN.ca reports the Bruins assigned defenseman Matt Hunwick and forward Vladimir Sobotka to Providence of the AHL Tuesday.
Analysis: Sobotka has been up-and-down plenty this season. He has totaled one goal, three assists and a minus-7 rating. He remains just organizational depth and has little to no Fantasy value.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka, who has been up and down from the AHL this season, was moved to a scoring line alongside David Krejci and Phil Kessel at practice on Monday.
Analysis: Sobotka has been a point-per-game guy in the AHL this season (27 in 25 games), but has only four points in 21 games while up with the Bruins. The fourth-round pick from 2005 has no Fantasy value at this time, but this move means he's worth watching over the next couple of games.
News: The Bruins have recalled RW Martins Karsums and C Vladimir Sobotka from the AHL.
Analysis: Both of these guys have been up and down a couple of times this season from the AHL. Continue to ignore them in all Fantasy formats.
News: The Bruins have sent C Vladimir Sobotka, C Martin St. Pierre and D Matt Lashoff down to Providence of the AHL.
Analysis: Lashoff is the biggest prospect in this group and should be back up after the break. He remains a low-end keeper option, while Sobotka and St. Pierre have no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Bruins have sent RW Martins Karsums back down to the AHL and have recalled C Vladimir Sobotka.
Analysis: Karsums, a former second-round pick has no Fantasy value at this time. Sobotka is also a non-factor.
News: The Bruins have sent C Vladimir Sobotka and C Martin St. Pierre back to Providence of the AHL.
Analysis: Neither of these guys has any Fantasy value at this time.
News: Boston recalled C Vladimir Sobotka from Providence of the AHL on an emergency basis after Monday's game against the Lightning.
Analysis: Sobotka played five games earlier this season with Boston, but had no points. He had 21 points in the minors with Providence, but has struggled with the NHL game. He has little to no Fantasy value.
News: The Boston Globe reports that Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka has been sent down to Providence of the AHL. Sobotka was informed that he will be brought back up to Boston after this weekend, however.
Analysis: Sobotka has no points in five games this season and is more of organizational depth at this point in his career than anything. He can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: The Bruins recalled D Matt Hunwick and Vladimir Sobotka from Providence of the AHL Tuesday.
Analysis: Sobotka had one goal and six assists in 48 games with the Bruins last season. He also had two goals in six postseason games. He is more of organizational depth at this point in his career and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: The Bruins assigned C Vladimir Sobotka to Providence of the AHL on Wednesday. Sobotka had one goal and six assists in 48 games with the Bruins last season. He also had two goals in six postseason games.
Analysis: An injury to a forward could easily bring Sobotka back up to the NHL, so the move to minors could be temporary. Regardless, Sobotka is not a recommended Fantasy option at this time.
News:Vladimir Sobotka scored his first goal in the NHL in his 28th career game only 1:45 after Petteri Nokelainen scored his sixth goal and the Bruins beat the Penguins 2-1. Goalie Ty Conklin, who made 31 saves, was attempting to clear the puck, but Shawn Thornton's hard check knocked defenseman Georges Laraque off the puck and allowed Sobotka to score on a soft shot from in front.
Analysis: "I'm just so happy I scored my first goal in the NHL," said Sobotka, who is certain his parents were watching in the Czech Republic. "I just shot the puck and he (Conklin) went down -- it was a lucky goal, but it was my first goal, so I'm glad." Sobotka's first goal came a night after Thornton scored his first two goals of the season in a 27-second span against Carolina. Sobotka should be considered a low-end Fantasy reserve at this point in his NHL career.
News: The Boston Bruins recalled forward Vladimir Sobotka from their AHL affiliate in Providence on Friday and sent defenseman Matt Lashoff to the AHL team.
Analysis: Sobotka had two assists in 14 games for Boston this season before being assigned to Providence on Dec. 30. The team's fifth-round pick in the 2005 Draft has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 games with Providence. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve at this point in his NHL career.
News: Bruins forward David Krejci was called up from Providence (AHL) on Sunday when C Vladimir Sobotka was sent down.
Analysis: Sobotka made his NHL debut in November and had just two assists in 14 games. He was playing about seven minutes per game. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve at this point in his NHL career.
News: C Vladimir Sobotka (shoulder) returned from a three-game absence Wednesday and he had a first-period assist.
Analysis: Sobotka is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve. He will likely be headed back to the AHL soon.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Bruins C Vladimir Sobotka was recalled from Providence of the AHL to be available Saturday against the Islanders if Milan Lucic can't play because of a head injury.
Analysis: Sobotka will be making his NHL debut Saturday against the Islanders, if he is needed. He is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve, but likely can be left off Fantasy rosters. He will likely be headed back to the AHL soon.
