ST. LOUIS -- It doesn't necessarily mean Carter Hutton is good to go, but the return of Ville Husso to the AHL could be a good sign for the St. Louis goaltender.
The Blues assigned Husso to the San Antonio Rampage on Tuesday, a day after he backed up goalie Jake Allen for the second straight game. The Blues don't play again until Thursday, by which time Hutton could be ready to return from a three-game absence with a neck injury he suffered in practice before the Blues' California road trip.
Hutton has been skating with the team in recent days, but there has been no official word on his availability for Thursday's home game against the Avalanche.
The Blues have gotten great play from Allen with Hutton out. Allen won starts Saturday against the Kings and Monday against the Ducks.
Husso, 23, has yet to make his NHL debut despite several call-ups this season. He has played in 34 games with the Rampage this season, going 14-11-0 with a .928 save percentage and 2.31 goals-against average.
The Blues also could just be keeping Husso sharp before Thursday. The Rampage play Tuesday night at San Diego, just down the highway from Anaheim.
