Columbus Blue Jackets News

Merzlikins got the win on Friday but was not available for Saturday's game in Buffalo due to illness. Returning to practice on Monday sets Merzlikins up for a start Tuesday vs. the Bruins.

Merzlikins played the entirety of the first period of Friday's game but did not come out for the start of the second period due to an illness. Spencer Martin has entered the game in his place. Merzlikins is questionable to return.

Werenski suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils and exited the game after playing only 11:15 time-on-ice. Werenski has struggled to stay healthy the last several seasons and has been placed on IR. He is expected to be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis. He has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets on the blueline this season, scoring 19 points, all assists, in his last 23 games. Ivan Provorov assumed the top powerplay role after Werenski exited the game on Wednesday.

Merzlikins will return to the crease for the Blue Jackets on Friday after a disappointing loss in his last outing. Against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, Merzlikins allowed two goals in the final five minutes of regulation in an eventual 4-3 overtime loss. The Latvian netminder is winless in his last two games (0-0-2), allowing seven total goals and posting a .896 SV%. Merzlikins was between the pipes just over two weeks ago in a 6-5 overtime victory over the Maple Leafs when he allowed five goals on 48 shots (.896 SV%), but the Blue Jackets are still sizeable +181 home underdogs against them on Friday.

Olivier will be a healthy scratch on Friday, potentially making room for Jack Roslovic (ankle) to return to the lineup after a 21-game absence. In 19 games this season, the 26-year-old Olivier has five points (1G / 4A), averaging 10:02 time-on-ice.

Werenski suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils and exited the game after playing only 11:15 time-on-ice. Werenski has struggled to stay healthy the last several seasons and will likely be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis. He has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets on the blueline this season, scoring 19 points, all assists, in his last 23 games. Ivan Provorov assumed the top powerplay role after Werenski exited the game on Wednesday.

Werenski suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils and exited the game after playing only 11:15 time-on-ice. Werenski has struggled to stay healthy the last several seasons and will be reevaluated after not participating in practice on Thursday. He has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets on the blueline this season, scoring 19 points, all assists, in his last 23 games.

Harris has not played since November 18th, missing 15 straight games, and is eligible and expected to return to the lineup on Thursday after being activated from IR. The 23-year Harris was averaging 18:45 time-on-ice and had three points (0G / 3A) through 16 games this season.

Werenski suffered an apparent knee injury in the second period of Wednesday's game against the Devils and did not return. He appeared to be unable to put any weight on his leg as he exited the ice. Werenski has one goals and 24 assists in 33 games this season. We should get an update on the injury and a possible timetable for his return in the coming days.

Merzlikins will take the crease for the second time in three games as he takes on New Jersey Wednesday fresh off a win over Washington in his previous start (32 saves - .906 SV%). The 29-year-old has bounced back nicely after a pair of rough seasons with his 7-8-5 record, 3.17 GAA and .909 SV%. He will head to New Jersey Wednesday to take on the Devils, who snapped a three-game losing streak with a win last game and are eight in the NHL in goals per game (3.41).

Fabbro has been scratched for four of the last five games for the Predators but will return to the lineup on Wednesday in favour of Tyson Barrie. In 25 games this season, Fabbro has skated predominantly alongside Roman Josi and has seven points (2G / 5A), 19 hits, and 40 blocks.

Olivier has not played since December 16th but will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils as Sean Kuraly (abdominal) will be unavailable. The 26-year-old winger has five points (1G / 4A) in 18 games and is expected to play on the fourth line with Brendan Gaunce and Alexandre Texier.

Kuraly had to be helped off the ice on Saturday and was taken to hospital, where he was discharged after testing. There has not been a definitive update on Kuraly yet, but he will not play on Wednesday and is considered day-to-day.