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MacEachern warmed up ahead of the game against the Panthers in case Mathieu Joseph was unable to play. The Blues were already without forward Alexandre Texier, who could be back on Saturday against the Blackhawks even though he didn’t practice Friday.

MacEachern missed about 2 1/2 months of action due to an upper-body injury that cost him 25 games, but returned for Springfield to post 13 points in 13 games since he’s been back. He has primarily played on a line with AHL-contracted Matthew Peca and Matt Luff.

“I think just being 100% myself,� MacEachern said. “I’ve been hurt the last two years, so it’s been tough to get a groove going, get momentum going. So I think that’s just my favorite part. I get to be myself down there. I get to be a hard forechecker, play with the puck down there. A lot of good linemates, a lot of good reps, a lot of good touches, so it’s a good combination down there.�

The injury was the latest for MacEachern, who missed the end of last season after undergoing shoulder surgery. He is in the second year of a two-year contract with the Blues.

“It’s tough,� MacEachern said. “Fortunately, unfortunately, I’ve dealt with injuries a lot in my career, so I kind of know how to navigate that. It’s not ideal, but I have a good support system at home with my wife and my family. They help me through those times for sure.�

Springfield returned to action on Friday against Providence.

Schenn rumored

TSN insider Darren Dreger reported on Thursday night that Blues captain Brayden Schenn could become available ahead of next month’s trade deadline as teams look for help down the middle of their lineups.

“I do believe the Blues are at least testing or gauging the market to see what that level of interest is, and will ultimately have to make that call in the weeks ahead,� Dreger said during the network’s “Insider Trading� segment, also throwing out the Maple Leafs as a possible destination.

Schenn was named the team’s captain before last season, and has three more years after this one at a $6.5 million cap hit. He currently has a full no-trade clause.

This season, Schenn had 11 goals and 19 assists in 55 games. At times, he’s centered the best Blues line on the roster, when Dylan Holloway, Schenn and Jordan Kyrou were on a hot streak through January.

After Blues practice Friday, Schenn politely declined to comment on trade speculation.

Earning respect

When Blues forward Jake Neighbours started Thursday’s game with a fight off the opening faceoff with Florida’s Sam Bennett, he garnered appreciation from his team.

“Love it,� Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “That’s a guy defending himself from a hit that isn’t part of the game that last time we played them. That’s a hard thing to do when you’re thinking about it all day. That’s a tough young man, and he went against a tough hockey player.�

Bennett hit Neighbours high and late during the Dec. 20 game between the Blues and Panthers, leading to Thursday’s fight as soon as the game started. Bennett was in the starting lineup for Florida, and Neighbours’ desire to fight Bennett made its way to Montgomery.

“He did not broach that with me, but he broached it with somebody else,� Montgomery said. “Everyone respects anyone that looks to defend themselves in that kind of manner. Anybody that’s a Blue and has been a Blue for years, that’s part of the culture that’s been here for a long time.�

Neighbours flipped spots with typical center Brayden Schenn in order to line up across from Bennett for the faceoff. After the fight, Neighbours missed a couple shifts while receiving stitches on his forehead.

“Amazing respect, that’s how it’s looked upon,� Montgomery said.

— The Blues will wear their Winter Classic uniforms on Saturday against the Blackhawks. It’s the only time the team will wear the uniforms in St. Louis, as the third and final time will be in Washington on Feb. 27.