After missing St. Louis' last eight games, defenseman Robert Bortuzzo is ready to return to the fray.

The Blues activated Bortuzzo from injured reserve on Thursday. The 33-year-old veteran didn't work with any of the three defensive pairings in the morning skate Thursday, but he was on the ice and will be available whenever coach Craig Berube decides to pencil him into the lineup.

"I think he's ready to go, though. He told me he is," Berube told reporters after the morning skate. "So we'll look at getting him in there pretty soon. A little bit more time."

Bortuzzo has one goal, no assists and 25 penalty minutes in 30 games this season.

The defensive pairings at practice included Nick Leddy and Colton Parayko, Torey Krug with Justin Faulk and Calle Rosen with Niko Mikkola. If that's how Berube slots his defensemen for the Blues' game Thursday night in Arizona, Rosen's return would push out rookie Tyler Tucker.

"No real reason," Berube said. "I want to keep them going, both of them going. They've played well for us. I just think Rosen's puck movement is going to help us tonight."

Coverage of the Blues-Coyotes game begins at 7:30 p.m. on Bally Sports Midwest.