Aston-Reese has spent most of the season in Grand Rapids, posting five goals and six assists (11 points) in 26 AHL games. He could play his second game for the Red Wings on Tuesday.

Merzlikins got the win on Friday but was not available for Saturday's game in Buffalo due to illness. Returning to practice on Monday sets Merzlikins up for a start Tuesday vs. the Bruins.

Merzlikins played the entirety of the first period of Friday's game but did not come out for the start of the second period due to an illness. Spencer Martin has entered the game in his place. Merzlikins is questionable to return.

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 has been placed on IR. He is expected to 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.

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).

Harris has not played since November 18th, missing 15 straight games, and is eligible and expected to return to the lineup on Thursday after being activated from IR. The 23-year Harris was averaging 18:45 time-on-ice and had three points (0G / 3A) through 16 games this season.

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.