Thurkauf, 22, played in three straight NHL games but returns to the AHL with Alexander Wennberg and Riley Nash returning to the Blue Jackets lineup. Thurkauf has nine goals and 16 assists (25 points) in 47 games with Cleveland.

Thurkauf made his NHL debut in Nashville on Saturday, playing 8:01 TOI. The 22-year-old former seventh-round pick has picked up 25 points (9G / 16A) in 47 AHL games this season and is expected to be back on a line with Kevin Stenlund and Emil Bemstrom.