Columbus Blue Jackets put Spencer Martin on waivers, David Jiricek sent down

There is some movement from the Columbus Blue Jackets to potentially make room for their captain’s return.

On Thursday, the team placed goaltender Spencer Martin on waivers, while also sending defenseman David Jiricek down to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

These moves are made most likely in anticipation of captain Boone Jenner getting activated off injured reserve, where he has been since early December after suffering a fractured jaw.

With 23 players already on the main roster, at least one player has to come off in order for Jenner to return.

If Martin clears on Friday, do not be surprised if Jiricek is immediately called back up by the Blue Jackets.

Jiricek has been looked at as one of, if not the, top defensive prospect in the Blue Jackets’ system. In his first full season with the team, the Czech blueliner has notched a goal and eight assists in 36 games. With Zach Werenski still on IR, Jiricek has had to play a bigger role for Pascal Vincent’s team.

Martin has been smack dab in the middle of the goalie triangle in Columbus. Though the team has Elvis Merzlikins, the team has shown favoritism toward Daniil Tarasov, creating trade speculation around Merzlikins.

Martin has had a rough go in his first season in Columbus. In 13 appearances, the 28-year-old is 3-8-1 with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage. His last start came back on Jan. 2 in a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins.

Martin was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Monsters. While with the Vancouver Canucks organization over the last two seasons, the Oakville, Ontario native played 41 games with their top farm team in Abbotsford.

The Blue Jackets (14-21-9) are set to host the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. They are still at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, 10 points back of the seventh-place Devils, and points out of a Wild Card spot.