Columbus Blue Jackets News

After serving as the backup for six straight games, Merzlikins will start for the third straight time on Tuesday evening. Merzlikins allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his first regulation loss since the beginning of December. Before that, Merzlikins was sporting a respectable .905 SV% in his last seven appearances (3-0-3). That said, Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are overwhelming +298 road underdogs against a scorching Edmonton Oilers club searching for their 14th straight victory.

Tyson Barrie will be a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Fabbro to re-enter the Predators' lineup. Before being a healthy scratch on Saturday, Fabbro played 11 straight games, tallying two points (0G / 2A).

Smith was placed on the Injured Reserve retroactive to January 15th Thursday so that the Devils' could open up cap space to recall Santeria Hatakka. The 34-year-old Smith left New Jersey's game Monday vs. Boston due to a sprained right knee and will be forced to miss an extended period of time. He has five points (1G/4A) in 34 games played so far in 2023-24.

After not playing for six straight games, a strong outing in the Blue Jackets last contest on Tuesday has prompted them to turn to Merzlikins again on Friday. The Latvian netminder saved 27 of 30 shots (.900 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, his first win since December 14th. Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are +134 home underdogs against a struggling and injury-depleted New Jersey Devils squad that has lost two straight, being outscored 6-2.

Jenner has not played since December 8th, missing the last 15 games, but is slated to make his return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Friday against the New Jersey Devils. Before his injury, Jenner was one of a few bright spots in a miserable season for the Blue Jackets, scoring 18 points (13G / 5A), firing 80 shots on goals, and registering 44 hits in 29 games.

Smith exited the Devils' last game early in the first period after playing only 2:43 time-on-ice with a sprained knee. Before his injury, Smith had three points (1G / 2A) and a +7 plus/minus in his last eight games after recording only two points (0G / 2A) and a -5 in his first 26.

Wood will make his first appearance since January 4th after missing Colorado's last five games as he battled the flu. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Gaunce was sent down to make way for the return of Sean Kuraly (abdominal), who was activated off injured reserve on Sunday. Gaunce has one goal and two assists in eight games with the Blue Jackets this season.

Wood did not play on Saturday, was a game-time decision on Monday, and has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights as he battles the flu. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Wood did not play on Saturday, was a game-time decision on Monday, and is again doubtful on Wednesday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Wood did not play on Saturday but was a game-time decision on Monday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Wood did not play on Saturday and will be a game-time decision on Monday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Christiansen was recalled last week and played his first three games for the Blue Jackets this season, recording one point (0G / 1A) while averaging 15:56 time-on-ice. He has been reassigned to the Cleveland Monsters, where he has 22 points (5G / 17A) in 28 games.

Provorov was a game-time decision due to an illness on Thursday. Provorov is pacing for the best offensive season of his career, scoring 21 points (2G / 19A) through 39 games.

Chinakhov was a game-time decision on Thursday due to an illness. Chinakhov has 17 points (10G / 7A) in 27 games this season, playing predominantly alongside Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko.