Gaudreau did not play in the Blue Jackets' 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday but will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers. Gaudreau has nearly been a point-per-game player in the second half of the season, scoring 31 points (4G / 27A) in his last 33 games after scoring only 25 (7G / 8A) in his previous 42.

Gaudreau was a surprise scratch on Thursday, with the Blue Jackets not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Columbus' 9.75 million-dollar-man has just 11 goals on the season, but has managed to rack up 45 assists in 75 games.

Alexandre Carrier will return to the Predators lineup from a three-game absence, sending Fabbro to the press box as a healthy scratch. Fabbro has 13 points (3G / 10A) in 54 games this season.

Christiansen has spent the last nine games with the Blue Jackets but has been loaned to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), where he has spent most of the season. The 24-year-old Christiansen has 40 points (13G / 27A) in 54 games with Cleveland.

Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov have been alternating starts lately, and with Merzlikins battling a lower-body injury, the trend will likely continue on Monday. On Saturday, Merzlikins recorded his first win in nearly a month, saving 30 of 33 shots (.909 SV%) in a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jenner did not play on Saturday due to an illness and will also miss Monday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Jenner was playing well before exiting the lineup, recording six points (3G / 3A) in his last eight games.

Detroit will be without Patrick Kane (illness) on Saturday and have a few players banged up which has led to the emergency recall of Zach Aston-Reese. The 29-year-old forward has appeared in only one game for the Red Wings this season and barely saw the ice as he only had 6:29 TOI without any counting stats.

The Blue Jackets have lost four straight and will turn to Merzlikins for the third time in the last five games. Merzlikins has allowed six goals in each of his last two contests (0-2-0), including a 45-save outing (.882 SV%) in his last contest, a 6-1 losing effort to the Colorado Avalanche. The Blue Jackets enter action as +137 road underdogs against the Arizona Coyotes.

Werenski is battling a lower-body injury but appears to be available for Friday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Werenski has been effective offensively lately, tallying five points (1G / 4A) in his last four games.

The Blue Jackets have been outscored 10-4 in their past two games (0-1-1) and will turn to Merzlikins to tend the twine on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Merzlikins has lost three straight, including a forgettable performance in his last outing, allowing six goals on 27 shots (.778 SV%) in a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The Blue Jackets enter action as enormous +329 road underdogs.

Werenski is battling a lower-body injury and might be unavailable for Friday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Werenski has been effective offensively lately, tallying five points (1G / 4A) in his last four games.