The Columbus Blue Jackets appear to finally be getting healthier.
John Tortorella preached in the offseason that this year was always going to be tougher than last year for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has certainly been proven right.
The 2016-2017 season had so many things go right, including good health for much of the season. That has not been the case this season and the Jackets have struggled through an injury riddled season.
But the team might soon have one of their top playmakers returning. Alexander Wennberg was was activated off of the injured reserve today. He has been dealing with a back injury and was expected to miss four to six weeks of action. He has only been out since December 21st. His return before the All-Star break is a welcomed surprise.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The timing of his injury couldn’t have been at a worse time. Wennberg was playing his best hockey before heading to the IR. He had five points in the five games before he was injured. The team has struggled down the middle since his injury and Brandon Dubinsky‘s.
Now the team has to figure out where he slots back in. The Jackets have been enjoying the emergence of rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois as their top line center with Josh Anderson and Artemi Panarin. Wennberg should get second line center minutes with first line talent upon his return as well as the return of Cam Atkinson.
Other Injuries
Brandon Dubinsky is skating now and has been doing so with a visor according to Brian Hedger of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
So ... #CBJ practice today, Ryan Murray, Brandon Dubinsky (still with visor) AND Alexander Wennberg all participating today.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) January 10, 2018
Wennberg in full gear today, possibly for the first time since his back issue cropped up.
The center had been one of 34 players in the NHL without one but following the vicious fight that ended with his orbital bone being broken, the vet will wear the protective shield. Murray is also skating with the team as he been for a few days.
On a negative note it appears Sonny Milano is not skating with the team as he was injured in the 3-2 overtime win over the Maple Leafs. There is no word yet on what the nature of his injury is.
Next: Seth Jones Heading to All-Star Game
There is never a good time to deal with injuries but if there was a good time, it would be January. There are only 10 games in January. The mandatory five day break and all star weekend give the team time to get some key players back without missing too many games before the stretch run. With Wennberg’s activation and Murray and Dubinsky skating, it looks like the Jackets are close to where they need to be to make a stretch run.