Heinen has missed the last four games while n COVID-19 protocol but is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. While he's officially listed as a game-time decision, expect him to be back on a line with Jeff Carter and Evan Rodrigues.
Nichushkin will not be available for Monday's game vs. the Wild and will likely miss their first three games to start the week. Expect J.T. Compher to move into the top-6 with Nichushkin out.
Merzlikins missed the last three games with a lower-body injury but will serve as Joonas Korpisalo's backup on Tuesday. This is a positive step for Merzlikins, who is likely in line to start Thursday in Carolina.
Nichushkin has missed the last four games with an upper-body injury but will play Monday vs. the Kraken. Nichushkin will replace Gabriel Landeskog (COVID-19 protocol) in the lineup.
Werenski missed the last two games while in COVID-19 protocol but will play Saturday vs. the Devils. Werenski has played very well since the middle of November, tallying 14 points (4G / 10A) in his last 19 games.
Sillinger is dealing with a minor lower-body injury that he is expected to play through on Thursday, but has officially been listed as a game-time decision. Monitor his status as the Blue Jackets hit the ice for warmups.
Christiansen was an undrafted free agent out of the WHL, who signed with the Blue Jackets in 2020. The 22-year-old defenseman has tallied five goals with 13 assists (18 points) in 21 AHL games this season.
Provorov has never missed a game in his NHL career but his ironman streak will come to an end on Tuesday. With Provorov and Nick Seeler both in COVID-19 protocol, Cam York will likely make his season debut on Tuesday.
Jaros was recently activated from COVID-19 protocol and will play for the first time since December 11th. Jaros will replace Dougie Hamilton, who is out with a head/face injury after taking a puck to the face on Sunday.
Merzlikins missed Monday's practice with "lower-body discomfort" and is not expected to dress on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets recalled J-F Berube from Cleveland (AHL) to serve as Joonas Korpisalo's backup.
Werenski was not on the ice for Monday's practice and was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday. With Werenski out, Adam Boqvist moved up to the top pairing and is expected to be on the top power-play unit as well.
