Columbus Blue Jackets News

Jet Greaves started three of the last four games for the Blue Jackets, but he has been reassigned to Cleveland (AHL), opening the door for Merzlikins to return to the crease on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has allowed nine goals in his last two games (0-2-0), posting a .830 SV%, and has a 3.11 GAA and .887 SV% in 20 games this season (9-9-2). The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +191 home underdogs against a Devils squad outscoring their opposition 11-3 during a three-game winning streak.

James Malatesta will make his season debut on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils, sending Labanc to the press box as a healthy scratch. Labanc has been productive from primarily a fourth-line role for the Blue Jackets, scoring 12 points (2G / 10A) in 27 games, but has only two points (1G / 1A) in his last 14 games.

Malatesta was a fifth-round pick, 133rd overall, of the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old made his NHL debut last season, scoring four points (2G / 2A) in 11 games with Columbus. He has 12 points (6G / 6A) in 25 games with Cleveland (AHL) this season.

Jet Greaves started three of the last four games for the Blue Jackets, but he has been reassigned to Cleveland (AHL), opening the door for Merzlikins to return to the crease on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has allowed nine goals in his last two games (0-2-0), posting a .830 SV%, and has a 3.11 GAA and .887 SV% in 20 games this season (9-9-2). The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as +191 home underdogs against a Devils squad outscoring their opposition 11-3 during a three-game winning streak.

Fabbro exited Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning early in the second period after a knee-on-knee collision with Conor Geekie. There is no update on Fabbro's status but he was in clear discomfort while leaving the ice. The 26-year-old defenseman is averaging 19:19 time-on-ice and has seven points (3G / 4A) in 24 games this season.

Despite failing to record a victory, Greaves was serviceable for the Blue Jackets, posting a 3.30 GAA and .895 SV% while playing three of the last four games (0-1-2). The 23-year-old Greaves served as a backup with Columbus earlier this season but has predominantly been in the AHL, recording a 3.21 GAA and .902 SV% in 15 games with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL).

Jack Johnson (upper body) will not play on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, allowing Harris to re-enter the lineup. The 24-year-old Harris is averaging 12:16 time-on-ice, recording one point (0G / 1A), 22 blocks, and 16 hits in 19 games.

Johnson played only 2:45 time-on-ice on Sunday before exiting the game after taking a stick to the face in the first period. The 37-year-old Johnson hasn't been in the lineup much lately, limited to only 18 games this season, averaging 13:32 time-on-ice and scoring one point (0G / 1A). Jordan Harris will draw into the lineup as his replacement.

The Blue Jackets have lost four straight and will turn to Greaves between the pipes for the third time in the last four games. Despite losing his first two starts of the season last week (0-0-2), Greaves has been serviceable in net, posting a 2.90 GAA and .906 SV%. That said, the Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as sizeable +214 road underdogs against a Tampa Bay Lightning team outscoring their opposition 13-4 during a two-game winning streak.

Johnson played only 2:45 time-on-ice on Sunday before exiting the game after taking a stick to the face in the first period. The 37-year-old Johnson hasn't been in the lineup much lately, limited to only 18 games this season, averaging 13:32 time-on-ice and scoring one point (0G / 1A).

Greaves stopped 35 of 37 shots in the Blue Jackets overtime loss to the Capitals on Thursday. It was an outstanding season debut for Greaves, who has been solid when called upon throughout his NHL career. To date, he is 3-7-1 with a 3.30 GAA and .915 SV% in 11 career NHL games since 2023. Greaves would make for a solid spot-start on Saturday, given the Blue Jackets are -173 home favourites vs. the Ducks.

Greaves stopped 35 of 37 shots in the Blue Jackets overtime loss to the Capitals on Thursday. It was an outstanding season debut for Greaves, who has been solid when called upon throughout his NHL career. To date, he is 3-7-1 with a 3.30 GAA and .915 SV% in 11 career NHL games since 2023. Greaves would make for a solid spot-start on Saturday, given the Blue Jackets are -173 home favourites vs. the Ducks.

Harris will be the odd-man out on Thursday as Jack Johnson draws back into the lineup. Harris has zero goals and just one assist in 19 games this season.

Johnson will make his first appearance since November 21st as Jordan Harris is the odd man out on Thursday. Johnson has zero goals and just one assist in 15 games this season.

Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason made it clear on Wednesday that he was optimistic about Olivier's availability on Thursday. He suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers but will not miss any game time. The 27-year-old Olivier has 11 points (8G / 3A) in 28 games this season.