Blues' Schwartz (elbow) to be out at least four weeks

ST. LOUIS --Blues forward Jaden Schwartz, who was limited to 33 games last season, will start the 2016-17 season off the ice.

The Blues announced Friday that Schwartz will miss at least four weeks after injuring his left elbow in practice Thursday. He will be re-evaluated at that time.

Schwartz, 24, posted 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) last season. He also dressed in all 20 Blues postseason games, tying for third on the team with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists).

With Schwartz out and Vladimir Sobotka, who has returned to the KHL, no longer an option, the Blues enter the season with less depth at forward than they had hoped.