Zach Dean Cleared by NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

Published on January 1, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Thunderbirds News Release

ST. LOUIS, MO - The St. Louis Blues announced today that forward Zach Dean has been cleared by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to return to active status with the organization. Dean has been assigned to the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and will report to the team tomorrow.

Dean, 22, has appeared in 60 career AHL regular-season games for the Thunderbirds, recording 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) and 26 penalty minutes. The Grande Prairie, Alberta native has also played in nine career NHL regular-season games with the Blues. Dean was acquired via trade by the Blues from the Vegas Golden Knights on February 26, 2023. He was originally drafted by the Golden Knights in the first round, 30th overall, of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

The T-Birds conclude their four-game homestand on Friday night, kicking off the 2026 portion of their schedule against the Bridgeport Islanders at 7:05 p.m. inside the MassMutual Center.

Single-game tickets and ticket memberships for all remaining games in the Thunderbirds' 2025-26 season are available now - fans can order now by visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com or by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625).

Springfield Thunderbirds forward Zach Dean

American Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2026

• Calgary Strikes Three Times on Power Play to Upend Eagles, 3-2 in OT - Colorado Eagles
• Crunch Downed by Marlies, 2-1, in Overtime - Syracuse Crunch
• Heartwarming and Iconic Teddy Bear Toss Held in Hershey, PA this Sunday, January 4 - Hershey Bears
• Zach Dean Cleared by NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program - Springfield Thunderbirds
• Penguins Recall Forwards Brayden Edwards, Zach Urdahl - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
• Winning Wednesday Upcoming for Griffins - Grand Rapids Griffins
• New York Rangers Recall Three from Hartford Wolf Pack - Hartford Wolf Pack

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Springfield Thunderbirds Stories

• Zach Dean Cleared by NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
• T-Birds' Gutty Effort Brings Victory on New Year's Eve
• Luff Leads T-Birds' Comeback Charge to Stun Isles
• T-Birds' Point Streak Snapped by Bruins
• T-Birds Captain Matthew Peca to Represent Team Canada at Spengler Cup