Merzlikins was expected to start Friday vs. Calgary but was pulled late as he was still dealing with an illness and is expected to start Saturday vs. Minnesota. The 29-year-old has had an incredible two starts so far in 2023-24, with his 1-1-0 record, .950 SV% and 1.84 GAA. He takes on the Minnesota Wild, who have lost two of their last three games but are eighth in the NHL in goals per game (3.5).
Werenski left the Blue Jackets' opening night game after just 13:43 TOI due to a hit from Garnet Hathaway and is expected to return Friday as Columbus hosts Calgary. The 26-year-old Blue Jackets' captain had his 2022-23 decimated by a torn labrum and separated shoulder which led to him collecting three goals and eight points in 13 total games. He will hope this season is not defined by injuries after missing two Blue Jackets' games thus far.
Labanc's camp was informed earlier in the day that he would be placed on waivers but have changed their minds and will now be putting him in the Sharks' lineup for his season debut. He had 15 goals, 18 assists, 129 SOG, 36 PIMs and a -17 plus/minus through 72 games in 2022-23 but has yet to see NHL action this season through San Jose's first three games. He will make his season debut Thursday as the Sharks take on Boston and is expected to play on San Jose's second line alongside Thomas Bordeleau and Filip Zadina.
Labanc had 15 goals, 18 assists, 129 SOG, 36 PIMs and a -17 plus/minus through 72 games in 2022-23 but has yet to see NHL action this season through San Jose's first three games. He will make his season debut Thursday as the Sharks take on Boston and is expected to play on San Jose's second line alongside Thomas Bordeleau and Filip Zadina.
This is promising news for Werenski, who was injured in the Blue Jackets' season-opener after missing 69 games last season. Werenski was held pointless in 13:43 of ice time, but the talented 26-year-old has 79 goals since the 2016-17 season, eighth most amount defencemen despite playing at least 49 games fewer than everyone ranked above him. If Werenski can play, he will likely assume his duties on the Blue Jackets top powerplay unit immediately.
Greaves served as the backup to Spencer Martin on Monday after being called up on an emergency basis. This likely signifies that Elvis Merzlinkins (illness) is on the cusp of a return to the lineup.
Olivier had two PIMs, a -1 plus/minus and 12 shifts across 8:27 TOI in the Blue Jackets previous game vs. the Rangers but will be a healthy scratch Monday as they take on Detroit. The 26-year-old undrafted winger had his best career season in 2022-23 as he had five goals, 10 assists, 75 SOG, 81 PIMs and a -20 plus/minus in 66 games played. He will be replaced by Emil Bemstrom on Columbus' fourth line.
Jet Greaves has been called up from the AHL on an emergency basis as Merzlinkins continues to battle a stomach bug. Merzlinkins has played well in two games this season (1-1-0), recording a 1.84 GAA and .950 SV%. If Merzlinkins is indeed unable to play on Monday night, Spencer Martin will likely get his first start as a Blue Jacket.
Elvis Merzlinkins is currently battling a stomach illness and if he is unable to suit up on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings, Greaves will likely slide in as the backup for the Blue Jackets. Greaves played one game last season for the Blue Jackets, his NHL debut, where he saved 46 of 49 shots in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jiricek probably would have made the team out of training camp if he wasn't waiver exempt but because he was it was an easy decision to send him back to the AHL. With Zach Werenski out for at least one week, Jiricek was recalled and Eric Robinson was waived to make room for him. The 2022 No.6 overall pick had 38 points (6G / 32A) in 55 AHL games last season.
Aston-Reese was recently signed and started the season in Grand Rapids, where he was held off the scoresheet in his debut. He was recalled ahead of Saturday's game with Robby Fabbri out, but he is not expected to play vs. Tampa Bay.
Olivier missed the Blue Jackets' season opener with a leg injury but appears set to play in Saturday's game vs. the Rangers. The Blue Jackets will need to make a roster move in order for Olivier to play, so you'll know ahead of warmups if he's back or not.
Johnson was a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' season opening loss but will play Saturday vs. the Rangers. It's not clear who Johnson will replace in the lineup, but based on Friday's practice lines, it appears to be Jack Roslovic. Johnson had a strong rookie season, scoring 16 goals with 24 assists (40 points) in 79 games.
Merzlikins stopped 33 of 35 shots in the Blue Jackets' season-opening loss to the Flyers. Despite the loss, it was an encouraging outing for Merzlikins, who struggled mightily during the 2022-23 season. Tonight he'll face a difficult test with the Rangers in town. They had an impressive opening night win over the Sabres.
Johnson was a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' season-opening 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers but will slot into the lineup on Saturday against the New York Rangers as they search for their first victory of the season. Johnson will likely slot in on the third line with Cole Sillinger and Justin Danforth. He had 40 points (16G / 24A) in 79 games with the Blue Jackets last season.
Jiricek was recalled by the Blue Jackets after their star defenseman Zach Weresnki was placed on injured reserve earlier this morning. The talented young Czech defenseman had 38 points (6G / 32A) in 55 games with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL. Jiricek was the sixth overall pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and could be an interesting piece on the back end if Werenski is forced to miss significant time.
Werenski was placed on the injured reserve and will miss at least one week after being the target of a knee-on-knee collision with Garnet Hathaway in the Blue Jackets' season opener. Hathaway was given a two-minute minor for kneeing on the play. Injuries have been a thorn in Werenski's side the last several seasons as he is coming off a 2022-23 campaign where he was limited to only 13 games. David Jiricek has been recalled from the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL in his absence.
Werenski left Thursday's loss after a knee-on-knee collision with Garnet Hathaway. Initially, it did not look good, but Blue Jackets' head coach Pascal Vincent said that Werenski's injury is not believed to be long-term. This is a fortunate break for Werenski, who missed 69 games a season ago.
A healthy scratch on Tuesday's opening night game against the Lightning, Fabbro will draw back into the lineup on Thursday in place of Luke Schenn (lower-body). Fabbro is expected to skate alongside Roman Josi on the Preds' top pair at 5v5. The 25-year-old defenseman tallied just two goals and nine assists in 79 games with the Predators last season.
