Sanford making progress after shoulder surgery

ST. LOUIS - Blues forward Zach Sanford was back on the ice with Blues Assistant Coach Steve Ott on Thursday before the team's optional practice at Scottrade Center.
Sanford has been out of the lineup since a training camp injury forced him to have surgery on his left shoulder in late September. His original timetable for a return was five to six months, which would have him return in February or March.

"To get out there with Otter and some of the guys, it's really good," Sanford said. "It's like light at the end the tunnel. It's kind of the home stretch here. I'm excited to get back."
Sanford said it was tough to say how much he's recovered, but that the injury is feeling good for where he's at in his recovery.
"I just take it day-by-day, step it up a little at a time. So far, it's been good."

"He was a guy that I was disappointed he got hurt in training camp," said Blues Head Coach Mike Yeo. "I had high expectations for him. I believe this kid is going to have a real strong future, on both sides of the puck. He's got size, he's got speed, he's got hands and he's got really good hockey sense.
"For him to be able to get back out on the ice, I'm sure he's feeling pretty happy about that."