Nonetheless, it can be written now - Toropchenko will be in the lineup when the Blues host the Columbus Blue Jackets for Opening Night on Saturday at Enterprise Center (7 p.m., BSMW, 101 ESPN).
"(I'm) way ahead of schedule and I'm ready to go," Toropchenko told reporters after Friday's practice at Centene Community Ice Center. "I'm very excited that my body healed so fast… I don't know (why)… It's probably just hard work pays off, and just work, work and work."
"He looks ready, he's skating extremely well and he's strong," added Blues Head Coach Craig Berube. "He spent the whole summer here [in St. Louis] and pretty much worked...That's why he recovered so quickly, I'm sure, 'cause he put the time in."
Toropchenko started last season with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds but ended up playing 28 regular-season games with the Blues. Berube then had him in the lineup for all 12 of the team's Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"He brings a lot," Berube said of Toropchenko. "He's a great skater, he pressures the puck everywhere, he's a good forechecker, big guy, obviously. He can penalty kill, he's got good details to his game. When you see a guy like him out there, the team really feeds off his energy and his forechecking and his skating and his work ethic. It goes a long way."
"I'm very excited to play my Opening Night game," Toropchenko added. "I promise I'll put 100 percent like always and we'll see."
