The defenseman has not played since being hit in the mouth with a shot from San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final but participated in St. Louis' morning skate Monday wearing a regular visor after practicing the previous two days with a full cage.
"Pretty close," coach Craig Berube said of Dunn's return. "He's still day to day."
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Dunn, who has seven points (two goals, five assists) in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff Games, was paired with extra defenseman Michael Del Zotto for the morning skate. Berube said Sunday that there's "a good chance" Dunn will be ready to play at some point during the Cup Final.
The 22-year-old was unavailable to speak to the media afterward; talking is difficult for him because of the injuries to his mouth.
"His teeth are coming in," Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo said. "He's getting better every day."
Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson replaced Dunn in the St. Louis lineup for Games 4-6 against San Jose. He was plus-1 in the three games and averaged 11:47 of ice time.
Blues rookie forward Robert Thomas did not participate in St. Louis' morning skate, but Berube said he will play in Game 1. Thomas, who has six points (one goal, five assists) in 19 playoff games, has taken multiple maintenance days since the conference final, dealing with an unspecified nagging injury.
That means the Blues will dress the same lineup as they did for their 5-1 series-clinching win against the Sharks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Final on May 21.
"I think the team is in a good spot," Berube said. "They're obviously anxious to get going, get out there in the first few shifts and take contact, get involved, get the nerves out."
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