Sports

Schwartz put on some bulk in the off-season and has been playing in the minors with Peoria of the AHL so he has a head start on some of the regulars up front for St. Louis but coach Ken Hitchcock is still impressed. "The way he practiced today, right at the top of the heap," Hitchcock said. "He's 192 pounds, he's not a light player. He's a heavy, strong player and for his size he's heavy on the puck. He's a coach's player, he does things that you like as a coach. I thought that line was excellent today." Schwartz is playing alongside Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart and the line could be a force once the season starts. He had nine goals and 19 points in 34 games with Peoria. Leave him on the waiver wire for now.