Welcome back to the stretch run of hockey. The 4-Nations Faceoff is over. It couldn’t have gone better from an execution standpoint.
Now comes the time when teams dig in for the last third of the season positioning themselves to be ready for the playoffs. For the Blue Jackets, every game is a playoff game in feel given they enter play on Saturday just one point out of a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Blue Jackets host the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday night in Nationwide Arena. We start this edition of News & Rumors with a long cast of reinforcements returning to the lineup.
The Captain is Back
While things were trending this week towards a return to play for captain Boone Jenner, coach Dean Evason on Saturday morning confirmed that Jenner will make his season debut. Recall he got injured during the last day of training camp and had to have surgery. It will be just short of five months out of action.
Jenner admitted there will be some nerves at the start. But once things get going, he’ll be back to his usual self. He’s not the only one returning to the lineup. Kirill Marchenko returns after taking a puck to the face in Dallas. Joseph LaBate draws in for the injured Kevin Labanc who will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Although Evason didn’t directly say it, Dante Fabbro is primed to return to the lineup for the Blue Jackets as well. In one sense, all of these reinforcements act as a trade deadline acquisition especially in the case of Jenner. The team gets their captain, top right-winger and top-pair defenseman back after the 4-Nations.
Jenner’s return cannot be understated in its importance. He will play on the left wing to start with Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson. His presence is expected to give a boost to the Blue Jackets at a time where they need something like this.
As Jenner said this week, he feels 100% and has no restrictions in terms of taking faceoffs or contact. His presence will also allow the team to present a different look, perhaps one more in line with close, tight-checking games that are more like the playoffs. It will be interesting to see if there is a difference right out of the gate due to Jenner’s return.
Werenski Is in Saturday
Fresh off the 4-Nations, Zach Werenski will play against the Blackhawks on Saturday night. He did everything asked of him and then some except win the Final.
Still, Werenski says that Final stood out to him and will be something he will always remember.
“It was intense. It was probably the most fun I’ve had playing a hockey game ever,” Werenski said. “I think just the atmosphere leading up to it, the excitement, the build up, the crowd, just everything involved with it. I think the overtime, it’s unfortunate we lose but I think just how it all played out, it was incredible.”
Werenski said he traveled back to Columbus Friday. He knows the importance of this upcoming stretch.
“Yesterday was a tough day with travel, getting back here and settled in,” Werenski said. “Definitely a little bit tired but I’m also really excited to get back with the guys here. I love these guys. We’re in a fun spot on the season right now with the playoff race and excited to get back in front of our fans tonight.”
Potential Seth Jones Reunion
Word started going out that Seth Jones wants traded from the Blackhawks. He spoke to the Hockey Writers Saturday morning in Columbus. When asked if he would consider a return to the Blue Jackets, he admitted being open to the idea.
“Yeah, for sure,” Jones said. “It was very special when I played with Zach as partners for the most part of 5 1/2 years. We had a chemistry as soon as we started playing together right when we came out of college.”
Werenski also said he would be open to a Jones’ reunion.
“I always like going up against Jonesy,” Werenski said. Got dinner with him last night with Boone (Jenner). One of my best friends in hockey. I haven’t yet (tried convincing him to come back.) But I’d be open to it. I love playing with him and as a friend most importantly, we’re close. I hope whatever he’s dealing with works so it works itself out. He’s a hell of a player and I wish him all the best.”
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell spoke on Friday at Ohio Stadium and did address some trade deadline stuff. Of note, the team won’t be trading top picks or prospects. Ideally, they are looking for a depth forward that won’t come at top price.
Would the Blue Jackets be open to exploring Jones? Waddell hasn’t said anything on the record about it. He did try to acquire Jacob Trouba earlier in the season when the defense was not in a good place.
Waddell would prefer hockey trades if possible. Whether one involving Jones comes to pass remains to be seen. One would suspect money would be a major factor in pulling something like this off.
Personally, it would surprise me to see it happen. With over $6 million invested in Damon Severson, that would be tough to add that salary when a lot of other business is coming the down the road for the Blue Jackets. Keep expectations in check for now.
Side Dishes
- Both Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson skated Saturday. Each are working their way back from significant injuries. While there is not a known timeline to return, it’s possible both return later in March assuming all goes well in the rehab process.
- Elvis Merzlikins will start Saturday night’s game against the Blackhawks.
- Nick Foligno and his family are building a house in Columbus as we speak. Once his playing days are over, he will settle in and then see what the future holds. Whether that means a potential front-office position or the like remains to be seen. He hosted Jenner, Werenski and Jones to his house on Friday night although he didn’t join them for dinner. Foligno said someone had to stay at the house and work.
- Connor Bedard had dinner with Kent Johnson, Jake Christiansen and Adam Fantilli on Friday. Back in Chicago, Bedard said he treated them to Gibson’s. This time, they treated Bedard to a meal in Columbus.