Merzlikins will return to the crease for the Blue Jackets on Friday after a disappointing loss in his last outing. Against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, Merzlikins allowed two goals in the final five minutes of regulation in an eventual 4-3 overtime loss. The Latvian netminder is winless in his last two games (0-0-2), allowing seven total goals and posting a .896 SV%. Merzlikins was between the pipes just over two weeks ago in a 6-5 overtime victory over the Maple Leafs when he allowed five goals on 48 shots (.896 SV%), but the Blue Jackets are still sizeable +181 home underdogs against them on Friday.

Olivier will be a healthy scratch on Friday, potentially making room for Jack Roslovic (ankle) to return to the lineup after a 21-game absence. In 19 games this season, the 26-year-old Olivier has five points (1G / 4A), averaging 10:02 time-on-ice.

Werenski suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils and exited the game after playing only 11:15 time-on-ice. Werenski has struggled to stay healthy the last several seasons and will likely be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis. 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. Ivan Provorov assumed the top powerplay role after Werenski exited the game on Wednesday.

Werenski suffered a lower-body injury in Wednesday's contest against the New Jersey Devils and exited the game after playing only 11:15 time-on-ice. Werenski has struggled to stay healthy the last several seasons and will be reevaluated after not participating in practice on Thursday. 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.

After playing in four straight games, Hunt was a healthy scratch in the last two contests for Minnesota and has been reassigned to the Iowa Wild of the AHL. In nine games with Minnesota this season, Hunt is averaging 10:07 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A).

Werenski suffered an apparent knee injury in the second period of Wednesday's game against the Devils and did not return. He appeared to be unable to put any weight on his leg as he exited the ice. Werenski has one goals and 24 assists in 33 games this season. We should get an update on the injury and a possible timetable for his return in the coming days.

Merzlikins will take the crease for the second time in three games as he takes on New Jersey Wednesday fresh off a win over Washington in his previous start (32 saves - .906 SV%). The 29-year-old has bounced back nicely after a pair of rough seasons with his 7-8-5 record, 3.17 GAA and .909 SV%. He will head to New Jersey Wednesday to take on the Devils, who snapped a three-game losing streak with a win last game and are eight in the NHL in goals per game (3.41).

Fabbro has been scratched for four of the last five games for the Predators but will return to the lineup on Wednesday in favour of Tyson Barrie. In 25 games this season, Fabbro has skated predominantly alongside Roman Josi and has seven points (2G / 5A), 19 hits, and 40 blocks.

Olivier has not played since December 16th but will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils as Sean Kuraly (abdominal) will be unavailable. The 26-year-old winger has five points (1G / 4A) in 18 games and is expected to play on the fourth line with Brendan Gaunce and Alexandre Texier.

Severson hasn't played since November 19th, missing just over a month due to the oblique injury. He had three goals and five assists in 19 games prior to the injury. Severson is expected to play alongside Ivan Provorov on the Blue Jackets' second defensive pairing when he returns to the lineup on Saturday.

Hunt skated in four straight games but played just 4:28 TOI as the No.7 defenseman on Thursday. He'll be replaced by Jake Lucchini, who will be making his Wild debut up front.

Hunt will sit in favour of Dakota Mermis on Thursday after playing in each of the Wild's last three games. Hunt has no goals and one assist in eight games this season.

Fabbro will play for the first time since December 12th on Thursday as the Predators are opting to dress seven defensemen. He has two goals and five assists in 24 games this season.

After not playing the last two games for the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins will return to the crease on Thursday. Merzlikins has only played three games in December but has collected a point in each, posting a 2-0-1 record and .915 SV%. The Blue Jackets are coming off a commanding 9-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday but are slight -101 home underdogs against a Washington Capitals team that has won two straight but played last night, a 3-2 overtime win over the New York Islanders.

Severson has missed 14 games with an oblique injury suffered on November 19th and, after being a full participant at practice on Wednesday, could return to the lineup imminently. Head Coach Pascal Vincent used "before Christmas" as a target for Severson's return, suggesting he will play either on Thursday against the Washington Capitals or Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before his injury, Severson had three points (2G / 1A) in his last two games and has eight points (3G / 5A) in 19 games this season.

Patrik Laine was placed on the injured reserve with a clavicle fracture, allowing the Blue Jackets to recall Brendan Guance from the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. In 24 games with Cleveland this season, Gaunce has 15 points (6G / 9A) and a +5 plus/minus rating.

Gudbranson was suspended one game for being the aggressor in his altercation with Nick Cousins of the Florida Panthers. Gudbranson did not play on Thursday but will return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. Gudbranson has 10 points (2G / 8A), 23 hits, and 66 blocks while averaging 19:34 time-on-ice through 27 games this season.

Aston-Reese made his Red Wings debut earlier this week, playing 6:21 time-on-ice and registering two hits. He will return to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL where he has seven points (4G / 3A) in 20 games.