Sillinger exited Thursday's 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings in the first period after only 2:54 time-on-ice due to an upper-body injury. The 21-year-old Sillinger has 29 points (9G / 20A) and 62 hits in 54 games this season.
Gaunce has 28 points (13G / 15A) in 182 career NHL games but has primarily been an AHL player this season, limited to only five contests with Minnesota. The 30-year-old forward has 29 points (15G / 14A) in 35 games with Iowa (AHL) this season.
The Blue Jackets snapped a four-game losing skid in their most recent contest, a 5-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks when Merzlikins saved 27 of 28 shots (.964 SV%). The 30-year-old Merzlikins returns to the crease on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars, looking to improve his 2.94 GAA and .897 SV% through 38 games this season (20-14-4). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +154 home underdogs against a Stars squad with points in nine of their last 10 (8-1-1).
Marchenko's jaw broke at the beginning of February when an arrant puck hit him while he was sitting on the bench. Most players typically take six to eight weeks before returning from a broken jaw, so his presence at practice this week and activation from IR is welcoming and surprising. Before his injury, the 24-year-old Marchenko was having a breakout season, scoring 55 points (21G / 34A) in 53 games.
Jenner underwent shoulder surgery before the start of the season and appears to be nearing his season debut after participating at practice this week. The Blue Jackets' captain has battled injuries the previous several seasons but always has a physical impact when he's in the lineup. He had 22 goals, 35 points, 119 hits, and 155 SOG in 58 games in 2023-24.
Sillinger made his NHL debut earlier this season but spent most of the season in the AHL. The 27-year-old forward had 29 points (11G / 18A) in 44 games with the Cleveland Monsters this season.
Fabbro did not play the previous three games for the Blue Jackets due to an upper-body injury but is expected to return to action on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 26-year-old Fabbro is averaging 20:22 time-on-ice, recording 13 points (4G / 9A), 96 blocks, and 44 hits in 37 games this season.
Jenner underwent shoulder surgery before the start of the season and appears to be nearing his season debut after participating at practice on Wednesday. The Blue Jackets' captain has battled injuries the previous several seasons but always has a physical impact when he's in the lineup. He had 22 goals, 35 points, 119 hits, and 155 SOG in 58 games in 2023-24.
Marchenko's jaw broke at the beginning of February when an arrant puck hit him while he was sitting on the bench. Most players typically take six to eight weeks before returning from a broken jaw, so his presence at practice on Wednesday was welcoming and surprising. Before his injury, the 24-year-old Marchenko was having a breakout season, scoring 55 points (21G / 34A) in 53 games.
Werenski is battling a lower-body injury and could miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. Already without Sean Monahan (wrist) and Kirill Marchenko (jaw), the Blue Jackets can ill-afford to be without the elite offensive services of Werenski, who is having a Norris trophy caliber season, with 57 points (17G / 40A) in 53 games.
The Blue Jackets have lost two straight (0-2-0) and will hope for a better result on Thursday, with Merzlikins tending the twine against the Utah Hockey Club. Merzlikins has played well lately, posting a .919 SV% in his last eight games (5-3-0). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.96 GAA and .894 SV% in 35 games this season (19-13-3). Columbus enters Thursday's contest as +140 home underdogs against a Utah team with points in three of their last four (1-1-2).
Werenski is battling a lower-body injury and could miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Utah Hockey Club. Already without Sean Monahan (wrist) and Kirill Marchenko (jaw), the Blue Jackets can ill-afford to be without the elite offensive services of Werenski, who is having a Norris trophy caliber season, with 57 points (17G / 40A) in 53 games.
The Blue Jackets have lost two straight (0-2-0) and will hope for a better result on Thursday, with Merzlikins tending the twine against the Utah Hockey Club. Merzlikins has played well lately, posting a .919 SV% in his last eight games (5-3-0). The 30-year-old netminder has a 2.96 GAA and .894 SV% in 35 games this season (19-13-3). Columbus enters Thursday's contest as +140 home underdogs against a Utah team with points in three of their last four (1-1-2).
The Blue Jackets' three-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing when Merzlikins allowed five goals on 39 shots (.872 SV%) in a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. Merzlikins will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has been solid lately, posting a .915 SV% in his last nine games (7-2-0). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +152 road underdogs against a Sabres team without offensive threat Tage Thompson (upper body).
The Blue Jackets' three-game winning streak snapped in their most recent outing when Merzlikins allowed five goals on 39 shots (.872 SV%) in a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars. Merzlikins will likely return to the crease on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has been solid lately, posting a .915 SV% in his last nine games (7-2-0). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as +152 road underdogs against a Sabres team without offensive threat Tage Thompson (upper body).
