While Zach Sanford was impressing in his first St. Louis Blues training camp, he quickly ended up on the injured list after taking a hit into the boards and dislocating his shoulder. Sanford will need surgery and will miss an estimated five-six months for recovery.

Sanford, acquired by the St. Louis Blues from the Capitals in the Kevin Shattenkirk trade, was not guaranteed to make the roster out of training camp, but was impressing early.

“About three minutes before it happened, I leaned over to one of the coaches and said ‘boy, Sandy really is looking good,'” head coach Mike Yeo said to NHL.com.

“He worked hard this summer and you could see physically, he looked more ready and more prepared for the NHL game. He looked bigger, stronger. He had a tough break. I was really excited about his potential for us this year, and now he’s got some work ahead of him, but his season’s not over,” Yeo continued. If he can put in the work and get through the surgery and rehab properly, then you never know… it’s certainly a big blow.”

Sanford was originally marked to miss just a “couple weeks,” but his recovery time was extended today hinting at more damage to his shoulder than expected.

When the Blues dealt Shattenkirk to the Capitals, Sanford was the key piece they requested in return. After playing some impressive hockey with the Bears and Capitals, Sanford spent the remainder of the season splitting time between the Blues and their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Sanford was scratched in seven of the Blues’ 11 postseason games. With this injury in the beginning of training camp, Sanford has hit a road block that has stalled another potential breakout season.

The Blues have also lost Jay Bouwmeester to an ankle fracture. He will be re-evaulated in three weeks.

Sanford will miss 5-6 months (dislocated shoulder); Bouwmeester (ankle fracture) will be evaluated in 3 weeks. https://t.co/G9UN0UDeWM

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 19, 2017

Headline Photo: @StLouisBlues