If he plays, the 35-year-old defenseman would be appearing in an NHL game for the first time since Apr. 11, 2010.

“It’s a chance to come back and show I can play and just be part of a team,” Redden said. “We’ve got a good team here, and I want to help the team win and have some success.”

Redden spent 11 seasons with the Ottawa Senators, most of which were spent playing alongside Zdeno Chara. Redden signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, but struggled in New York. He spent the last two seasons with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Connecticut Whale.

Now, the Blues have given him another chance to play in the NHL.

“Everybody in hockey, especially in Canada that knows his story, is really proud of him,” Ken Hitchcock said. “They’re proud of him that he stayed with it and proud of him that he’s getting a second opportunity like this. It’s nice to see him get a chance to get it back.”

Hitchcock said after today’s skate that early on, he expects Redden to play 5-on-5 and spend some time on the penalty kill and just get his "feet wet."

“He’s practiced well, we just have to be patient and get him up to speed," Hitchcock said. "He’s a veteran guy who knows how to manage his game and he’s smart. I think he’ll do just fine.”

In 994 career NHL games, Redden has 106 goals and 344 assists (450 points).

“(The NHL) is the best league in the world,” Redden said. “It’s not a right to be playing here, you have to appreciate it. It’s a privilege to be here. I’m going to try to enjoy it and try to play hard and good things will happen.”

NOTEWORTHY STATS

• The Blues have points in 10 of their last 12 games against the Predators (7-2-3) and are currently on a 3-game winning streak against Nashville dating back to last season.
• With a 3-point night for Vladimir Tarasenko in Monday’s 4-3 shootout win, he joins a group of 6 players in Blues history to record at least 3 points in a game against them.
• David Backes has 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in his last 12 games against the Predators
• The Blues are 20-14-6 all-time vs. Nashville at home.

TONIGHT’S GAME

All fans in attendance at tonight’s game will receive thundersticks courtesy of Centene. Tonight’s game is the first Student Night and Boeing Military Night of the season. Students and active / reserve / retired military members can save on tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Ford Box Office at Scottrade Center.

Good seats are still available for the game, which begins at 7 p.m.

The game will be available on FOX Sports Midwest and KMOX 1120 AM.