Vladimir Tarasenko’s been cleared to return to the ice

Remember last year when the Blues’ training camp ended up looking like an emergency room? Remember Vladimir Tarasenko getting injured early on in the last game of the season, effectively ending the Blues’ drive to make the playoffs?

Things are currently shaping up to be better. Much better. How much better? Tarasenko has been cleared to skate with very light contact, meaning he’s on track to be ready to go at the start of training camp next month. Speaking to Chris Pinkert of the official site, Tarasenko’s optimistic about being in prime shape to start the season.

“I need to talk about it with the doctors more, but I’m cleared to skate with the group, but only with some contact right now,” Tarasenko told stlouisblues.com after an informal practice with several teammates on Monday. “But I can shoot. I feel great and I feel stronger. I’m ready for the season.”

Right now he’s looking ahead of schedule to return and his shoulder has regained its range of motion pretty nicely. Witness:

Training camp is right around the corner.