Johnson has some immigration stuff to get sorted before making his NHL debut but the Blue Jackets are anticipating him playing vs. the Canadiens. The 19-year-old had eight goals with 29 assists (37 points) in 32 games during his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. He's expected to start on a line with Justin Danforth and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Johnson will come out of the lineup with Erik Johnson drawing back into the lineup to replace him. With Sam Girard and Bowen Byram now both healthy, the Avalanche will likely continue to rotate defensemen.
Fabbro missed Sunday's game in Pittsburgh but will replace Matt Benning in the lineup on Tuesday. Fabbro will likely be back on the top pair with Roman Josi and comes in with seven assists in his last 16 games.
Harris was a healthy scratch in New Jersey on Thursday but will replace Kale Clague in the lineup on Saturday. Since making his NHL debut on April 2nd, Harris has three shots and two PIMS in two games while averaging 16:55 TOI/gm.
Gambrell missed Thursday's game vs. the Predators but was back on the ice for Friday's practice and is expected to play Saturday. Gambrell has just five points (2G / 3A) in 51 games this season.
The Blue Jackets had COVID-19 in their locker room with some members of their coaching staff and it has reached the players with Sean Kuraly testing positive. With Kuraly coming out of the lineup, the Blue Jackets are expected to go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
Gambrell was not on the ice for the morning skate and is doubtful to play Thursday due to a non-COVID illness. In addition to Gambrell, Tim Stützle is also sick and Tim Stützle is questionable with a knee injury.
Kukan has been a regular in the Blue Jackets lineup this season but will be a healthy scratch on Monday. Jake Christiansen was recalled from Cleveland (AHL) on Sunday and will replace Kukan in the lineup on Monday.
Christiansen was recalled from the AHL on Sunday and will replace Dean Kukan in the lineup on Monday. The 22-year-old has spent most of the season in the AHL, scoring 12 goals with 30 assists (42 points) in 54 games. During his time with the Blue Jackets, he has one goal in four games while averaging 10:33 TOI/gm.
Chinakhov suffered an upper-body injury in Saturday's game in Boston and will not play in the rematch on Monday. Carson Meyer will make his NHL debut to replace Chinakhov.
Werenski missed the last three games with an upper-body injury but will play Monday vs. the Bruins. Werenski will be back on the top pair with Andrew Peeke and the top power-play unit. Werenski has tallied 17 points (4G / 13A) in his last 18 games.
