Injuries, illness prompt Columbus Blue Jackets IR moves: Merzlikins, Boqvist and Sillinger out
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Injuries, illness prompt Columbus Blue Jackets IR moves: Merzlikins, Boqvist and Sillinger out
Feb 14, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Boqvist (27) stands in front of goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) as he’s plowed into by New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch
Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch·The Columbus Dispatch
Merzlikins is expected to miss a week with an illness that appears to be spreading around the team. The announcement comes a day after he took the goaltending loss in a 4-3 loss to theLos Angeles Kingsat Nationwide Arena, which didn't include forwardPatrik Laine(illness) and defensemanErik Gudbranson(illness).
Oct. 5, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Boqvist (27) passes the puck during their game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at Nationwide Arena.
Boqvist injured his shoulder during that game and is expected to miss four weeks, which is more tough luck for him after finally getting a chance to play on the top defense pairing withZach Werenski. Sillinger has missed the past three games with an undisclosed injury that's a "day-to-day" issue.
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At this point, however, it's possible that Bemstrom's recall is a chance for him to showcase his skills for any teams that might be interested in trading for him. Bemstrom had one of his agents in Columbus on Tuesday seeking options for a "change of scenery" trade that will give the enigmatic forward a new opportunity with a different team.
Bemstrom's recall is his latest after yet another highly successful AHL stint, in which the Swedish forward posted 10 goals, four assists and 14 points in just eight games. Without Robinson, Sillinger orJack Roslovic(IR ankle) around to block him on the NHL roster, the path should be clear for Bemstrom to get another chance to prove he should be part of the Blue Jackets' regular lineup.
Nov 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Emil Bemstrom (52) takes a shot past Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 4-2.
Stay tuned on that front.
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Blankenburg is finally getting recalled from the Monsters due to Boqvist's injury creating a need. It's unknown whether he'll go straight into the Jackets' lineup Thursday at theNew York Islanders, but that shouldn't be a surprise if it happens.
Gudbranson also missed practice Wednesday with his illness and his status to play is unknown.Andrew Peeke, a healthy scratch for most of the season, took his place against the Kings and played just his fifth game. Blankenburg could go into the lineup for either or simply provide depth a healthy scratch.
Oct 16, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves (73) stops a puck during warm ups prior to the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena.
Greaves is expected to back upSpencer Martin, who's done an impressive job backing up Merzlikins since being acquired off waivers (Vancouver Canucks) in the preseason.
The Blue Jackets (8-14-5) head into the Islanders game after losing leads to start the third period and dropping their past two games againstBostonand L.A. They'll return to conclude a back-to-back against theSt. Louis Blueson Friday at Nationwide Arena.
