Blues’ Zach Dean cleared to re-join organization after finishing NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

On Thursday, the St. Louis Blues announced that forward Zach Dean has been cleared to rejoin the team after receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

As part of his return to the organization, Dean is being assigned to the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and is going to report to the team on Friday.

Dean entered the program in September, which prevented him from participating in any team activities until he was cleared to return.

Dean has been part of the Blues organization for the past couple of years, turning pro in 2023. He played in nine games with St. Louis in 2023-24, his rookie season, but didn’t register a point. His last NHL appearance came on April 17 of that year. Dean spent the entire 2024-25 season with the Thunderbirds, but he didn’t get the chance to play much, thanks to an injury that he suffered in October, which kept him out of action until late January.

In 60 AHL regular-season appearances, Dean has scored 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points.

Dean was originally drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round, 30th overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft. He was sent to St. Louis in February 2023, as he was the prospect included in the deal that saw the Blues acquire Ivan Barbashev. At the time, Dean was still with the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s Gatineau Olympiques.

In addition to his pro career, he represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. Dean posted three points and 33 penalty minutes as Team Canada won the gold medal in Halifax.

The Thunderbirds (11-12-4-2) are currently sixth in the AHL’s Atlantic Division, good enough for one of the division’s playoff spots. Springfield is set to host the Bridgeport Islanders on Friday night.