Hunt returns to the press box Friday as Minnesota's defensive carousel continues with Alex Goligoski drawing back into the lineup. The 21-year-old Hunt is in his first NHL season and has yet to score but has a goal, seven SOG, and a -1 plus/minus in 12 games played.

After not playing for six straight games, a strong outing in the Blue Jackets last contest on Tuesday has prompted them to turn to Merzlikins again on Friday. The Latvian netminder saved 27 of 30 shots (.900 SV%) in a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, his first win since December 14th. Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are +134 home underdogs against a struggling and injury-depleted New Jersey Devils squad that has lost two straight, being outscored 6-2.

Jenner has not played since December 8th, missing the last 15 games, but is slated to make his return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Friday against the New Jersey Devils. Before his injury, Jenner was one of a few bright spots in a miserable season for the Blue Jackets, scoring 18 points (13G / 5A), firing 80 shots on goals, and registering 44 hits in 29 games.

Kuraly will make his first appearance since exiting December 23rd's game against the Maple Leafs with an abdominal injury. He has six goals and five assists in 35 games this season.

Tarasov will start for the fourth straight game on Saturday in the Blue Jackets' return to the ice in their first game since Tuesday. Tarasov has been underwhelming for the Blue Jackets this season, allowing four or more goals in five of his seven appearances (2-3-2), posting an ugly .883 SV%. The Blue Jackets have lost two straight (0-1-1) and will be hard-pressed to get back into the win column against a Seattle Kraken squad riding an eight-game winning streak.

Scott Sabourin will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Labanc to re-enter the Sharks' lineup. Labanc will appear in only his third game since the Christmas break and has been held without a point in four straight contests, recording a -5 plus/minus and six shots on goal.

Hunt will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Alex Goligoski to draw back into the lineup. Hunt played 16:41 time-on-ice on Monday, his first game in nearly three weeks, and recorded a -1 plus/minus along with one shot and two hits.

van Riemsdyk will play on Tuesday after sitting out the last two gamse with an undisclosed injury. He has seven goals and 18 assists in 35 games this season.

Labanc will sit in favour of Scott Sabourin, who will make his Sharks' debut on Tuesday. Labanc has one goal and five assists in 28 games this season.

Tarasov will start for the third straight game for the Blue Jackets and look to rebound with a victory after a disappointing 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. The 24-year-old Tarasov has been very strong for the Blue Jackets over his last three appearances, collecting a point in each contest (1-0-2) and boasting a .925 SV%. That said, Tarasov and the Blue Jackets have an unfavourable matchup against one of the league's hottest teams, the Winnipeg Jets, who have won six straight games.

Tarasov will start for the third straight game for the Blue Jackets and look to rebound with a victory after a disappointing 4-3 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. The 24-year-old Tarasov has been very strong for the Blue Jackets over his last three appearances, collecting a point in each contest (1-0-2) and boasting a .925 SV%. That said, Tarasov and the Blue Jackets have an unfavourable matchup against one of the league's hottest teams, the Winnipeg Jets, who have won six straight games.

Alex Goligoski will be a healthy scratch for Minnesota on Monday, allowing Hunt to play his first game since December 21st. In nine games this season, Hunt has one point (0G / 1A) and 15 blocks while averaging 10:07 time-on-ice.