Werenski has been out of the lineup since December 27th, missing 10 straight games, but will return to the lineup on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. He has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets on the blueline this season, scoring 19 points, all assists, in his last 23 games before his injury. Expect Werenski to regain his position as the quarterback on the Blue Jackets' top powerplay unit. David Jiricek was reassigned to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL in a corresponding move.

Werenski has been out of the lineup since December 27th, missing 10 straight games, but is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Calgary Flames. He has been a solid contributor for the Blue Jackets on the blueline this season, scoring 19 points, all assists, in his last 23 games before his injury. Expect Werenski to regain his position as the quarterback on the Blue Jackets' top powerplay unit.

After serving as the backup for six straight games, Merzlikins will start for the third straight time on Tuesday evening. Merzlikins allowed four goals on 32 shots (.875 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils, his first regulation loss since the beginning of December. Before that, Merzlikins was sporting a respectable .905 SV% in his last seven appearances (3-0-3). That said, Merzlikins and the Blue Jackets are overwhelming +298 road underdogs against a scorching Edmonton Oilers club searching for their 14th straight victory.

Tyson Barrie will be a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Fabbro to re-enter the Predators' lineup. Before being a healthy scratch on Saturday, Fabbro played 11 straight games, tallying two points (0G / 2A).

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.

Wood will make his first appearance since January 4th after missing Colorado's last five games as he battled the flu. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Gaunce was sent down to make way for the return of Sean Kuraly (abdominal), who was activated off injured reserve on Sunday. Gaunce has one goal and two assists in eight games with the Blue Jackets this season.

Wood did not play on Saturday, was a game-time decision on Monday, and has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights as he battles the flu. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

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.

Wood did not play on Saturday, was a game-time decision on Monday, and is again doubtful on Wednesday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Wood did not play on Saturday but was a game-time decision on Monday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

Wood did not play on Saturday and will be a game-time decision on Monday as he battles an illness. Wood was very effective in a top-six role in his last outing, scoring one point (0G / 1A) and firing three shots on goal in 15:31 time-on-ice.

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.