Soshnikov makes good impression on first day with Blues

Nikita Soshnikov has arrived, and after one practice with the team, all indications are he looks like he will be a good fit with the Blues.
"I thought he looked really good," Blues Head Coach Mike Yeo said after Saturday's practice at the Ice Zone at St. Louis Outlet Mall. "He's in good condition and skating is the first thing that I think really jumps out at you. Obviously (his) hands, (his) shot. He seemed to be jumping into the drills and fitting in as far as picking up our game fairly quickly. To me, he looks like he's ready to get into the lineup (Sunday)."

Soshnikov arrived in St. Louis on Friday afternoon before the start of the Blues' game against the Winnipeg Jets. After visiting with team doctors, he was deemed medically-cleared to play and was activated from injured reserve on Saturday morning.
The 24-year-old forward has battled injuries this season in Toronto but had recently completed a five-game conditioning stint with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. Overall, he has played in 19 games with the Marlies this season, posting 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists).
"I was expecting a trade because of the (roster) situation there (in Toronto)," Soshnikov said. "I was really excited, and when I got traded I was really happy to join the Blues."

Since the trade, Soshnikov had been waiting in Toronto as paperwork for his U.S. visa was being completed. He said the extra free time gave him a chance to get to know the Blues better.
"It was a great opportunity to watch the team's structure," Soshnikov said. "I was watching a few games, so it gave me a little bit more information before I got here."
At Saturday's practice, Soshnikov was skating on a line alongside Alexander Steen and Patrik Berglund.
"Hard, physical. I go for the forecheck, go to the net, create some offense, too," Soshnikov said when asked to describe his game. "Just play hockey. We'll see how it's going to play out for me here. Games (are) going to tell how I'm going to fit in, but I'm going to try and do my best, play hard and be a good teammate."
Yeo said he expects Soshnikov's addition will inject some energy into his lineup.
"There's no question (it will)," Yeo said. "You could see there was a little bit of excitement, and obviously when you add a guy like that, it gives you the ability to shuffle things around a little bit, makes you a little bit deeper and a little bit stronger through your whole lineup… The only way for him to get fully up to speed now is to start playing hockey, and so we might as well get him in quickly."