David Perron and Francis Bouillon spent last season recovering from dangerous head shots. They are progressing well in training camp and hoping for a regular-season return.

As the NHL works toward eliminating checks to the head, two Central Division players who missed considerable time last season due to post-concussion syndrome appear to be progressing well. 

St. Louis Blues left wing David Perron and Nashville Predators defenseman Francis Bouillon have both rejoined their clubs and are continuing to work their way back onto the rosters after prolonged absences.

Perron was concussed in a Nov. 4, 2010 game against the Sharks when he was hit by Joe Thornton. That hit earned Thornton a two-game suspension but cost Perron the final 72 games of the regular season. Bouillon's season abruptly ended Jan. 16 when Chicago's Troy Brouwer ran him into the United Center's end boards in the Nashville zone. Bouillon immediately left the game and he missed the remainder of the regular season and all 12 playoff games.

The Blues announced Monday that Perron was rejoining the team.

"It is an exciting day for myself, but not probably nearly as exciting as it is for David Perron to be back here where he should be in the rink with his teammates," St. Louis General Manager Doug Armstrong said at a press conference announcing Perron's return. 

Armstrong went on to say that Perron still needs to follow the NHL/NHLPA protocol in order for him to return to the ice.

Part of that protocol involves taking a baseline test. If he passes that test, he can resume his on and off ice activities with the team.

"First of all, it is good to be back in St. Louis and seeing all the guys before practice and meeting the new guys also," Perron said.

Perron also thanked the St. Louis organization and noted that they did not place any pressure on him to return.  

Bouillon, Nashville's Masterton Trophy nominee for the 2010-11 season, has resumed skating on his own in Nashville.

Earlier in the offseason he had progressed well and the team hoped he was going to be ready for training camp, but he suffered a setback and had to shut down his workouts until the symptoms subsided.

Bouillon has been riding the exercise bike in recent weeks, ramping up his heart rate incrementally. Encouraged by the results on the bike, Bouillon was able to skate with other injured Predators.

"He's pushing himself and is really making great strides," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said Tuesday.  "I don't expect him to be in the lineup in the too near future, but maybe in a couple of weeks if he doesn't have any setbacks maybe we can get him back into the scrimmage group. He might even get into some portions of practice in the next ten days or something like that if he keeps progressing the way he has."

No firm timetable for a return to game action has been established for either Perron or Bouillon, but recent developments in their respective cases are cause for optimism that they will be available to return in the coming season.

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