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Columbus Blue Jackets News
Merzlikins will start on Monday vs. Edmonton.

Merzlikins has not played since October 15th and is winless in two outings this season, posting an ugly 3.68 GAA and .854 SV%, but will likely return to the crease on Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers. In his previous two seasons combined, Merzlikins has a horrid 3.77 GAA and .889 SV% in 71 appearances (20-35-10), and the start of his 2024-25 campaign has not been promising for a resurgence. The Blue Jackets enter action on Monday as +212 home underdogs against the Oilers.

Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins is in the starter's crease at Columbus' morning skate.

Merzlikins has not played since October 15th and is winless in two outings this season, posting an ugly 3.68 GAA and .854 SV%, but will likely return to the crease on Monday night against the Edmonton Oilers. In his previous two seasons combined, Merzlikins has a horrid 3.77 GAA and .889 SV% in 71 appearances (20-35-10), and the start of his 2024-25 campaign has not been promising for a resurgence. The Blue Jackets enter action on Monday as +212 home underdogs against the Oilers.

Elvis Merzlikins
Johnson (upper-body) will miss significant time but will not require surgery.

Fortunately for Johnson and the Blue Jackets, Johnson will not require surgery, the slimmest of silver linings on unfortunate injury news on the talented youngster. The 22-year-old Johnson was showing signs of a true breakout campaign with two goals and three assists in his first four games.

Kent Johnson
Merzlikins (upper-body) returned to practice in full on Monday.

Merzlikins has not dressed for the last two games, recovering from an upper-body injury, but appears to be nearing a return to the lineup after being a full participant at practice on Monday. In his previous two seasons combined, Merzlikins has a horrid 3.77 GAA and .889 SV% in 71 appearances (20-35-10). Through two starts this season, Merzlikins is showcasing similar results, posting a 0-2-0 record with a 3.68 GAA and .854 SV%.

Elvis Merzlikins
Johnson (upper-body) is without a timeline to return and expected to be out long-term.

Johnson left Columbus' previous game vs. Buffalo after just 6:26 TOI due to an upper-body injury and is now expected to miss some time after head coach Dean Evason stated "it's not short-term" in regards to his return. It is unfortunate news for the 22-year-old, who was showing signs of a true breakout campaign with two goals, five points and eight SOG in his first four games played.

Kent Johnson
Wood (abdominal) is good to go for Friday vs. Anaheim after leaving last game due to injury.

Wood left Wednesday’s loss vs. Boston with an undisclosed injury after just 12:46 TOI but will return to the lineup on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks. A myriad of injuries for the Avalanche thrust Wood onto their top line alongside Logan O'Connor and Nathan MacKinnon, where he should return on Friday night.

Miles Wood
Chinakhov (undisclosed) is likely to play on Saturday vs. Minnesota.

Chinakhov is battling an undisclosed ailment but isn't expected to miss anytime, continuing his torrid start to the 2024-25 season. The 23-year-old Chinakhov is averaging 18:44 time-on-ice through four games this season, nearly four minutes more than last season, and has tallied six points (2G / 4A).

Yegor Chinakhov