Merzlikins was at practice on Wednesday and travelled with the team to Florida and was expected to start on this road trip. It's unclear if he suffered a setback or if this is just a move to create a spot to call up Jake Christiansen. The move is retroactive, so he's eligible to be activated for tomorrow's game if he's ready to start.
Merzlikins left Saturday's practice with a lower-body injury and will not be available for Sunday's game vs. the Sabres. With Joonas Korpisalo also hurt, J-F Berube will get the start for Columbus.
Heinen missed the final two games before the All-Star break with an upper-body injury but was a full participant in Monday's practice and will be a game-time decision on Tuesday. Heinen skated on the third line with Evan Rodrigues and Radim Zohorna in Monday's session.
Copley appeared in relief in the Capitals final game before the All-Star break, stopping 21 of 22 shots in a loss to the Oilers. Copley started the game as Ilya Samsonov's backup because Vitek Vanecek was dealing with an injury. Being recalled post-All-Star break suggests that Vanecek still isn't 100 percent heading into Tuesday's game vs. Columbus.
Fabbro missed six games with an upper-body injury but is set to play Tuesday vs. the Canucks. Fabbro re-enters the lineup with one goal and 10 assists (11 points) in 35 games this season.
Sillinger missed three games while in COVID-19 protocol but will likely be available for Sunday's game vs. the Senators. Sillinger has tallied six goals and seven assists (13 points) in his first 35 career NHL games.
