The NHL returns to action tomorrow, with 28 teams taking the ice across the league. The Jackets will host the Chicago Blackhawks for the only time this season, and it will be with a lineup that looks very different than the one they were using when they entered the 4 Nations break.
Fear not: this is a good thing. If this morning's line combinations are any indication, the Jackets will see the returns of Kirill Marchenko (broken jaw) and Dante Fabbro (concussion); and the season debut of Boone Jenner (shoulder).
These three are vital to this team's success. Marchenko was leading the club in scoring when he suffered a freak injury while sitting on the bench. Jenner is their heart and soul captain. And Fabbro, well ... just look at this:
Blue Jackets record with Dante Fabbro in the lineup?
— Union and Blue (@UnionAndBlue) February 10, 2025
20-13-4 (44 points)
Blue Jackets record without Dante Fabbro in the lineup?
6-9-4 (16 points)
Truly looks like two different teams. Wouldn't be surprised to see Don Waddell get him re-signed before too long. #CBJ
We will see if the team throws Zach Werenski right back into the #1 defenseman role, or if they give him a bit of a break. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see him not play at all tomorrow after leading the 4 Nations Faceoff in scoring. He could possibly use a short break before the final push.
But, there is one surprise mixed into these line combinations. Newcomer Joseph LaBate is slotted into a fourth line spot alongside James van Riemsdyk and Sean Kuraly. If he plays tomorrow, it would be his first NHL action since the 2016-17 season.
LaBate brings plenty of size and a little toughness to the mix.
The first thing you notice about LaBate is his size. At 6'5", 210 pounds; he steps into the lineup as one of the largest forwards on the roster. And, he brings some toughness to the mix, having accumulated 149 penalty minutes over his last two AHL campaigns.
There is also some skill here. He scored 17 goals and 35 points (86 games) over that span, and is touted as a guy with good hands in front of the net. He's an interesting depth add, and clearly one that Don Waddell has some familiarity with as he played with the AHL's Chicago Wolvers (Carolina Hurricanes' affiliate) last season.
Originally a fourth round pick of the Vancouver Canucks all the way back in 2011, LaBate is a 31 year old veteran pro who gets what may be his final look in the NHL. I don't expect him to step in and light the world on fire while playing in a prominent role. Instead, he's likely to be used sparingly at 5 on 5, when the team needs some physical minutes.
His addition has deeper meaning.
Digging further into this roster move and what it means, I think it's somewhat telling. Mikael Pyyhtia has been getting the NHL minutes this season, where he's played mostly on the fourth line and filling in on the penalty kill. Suffice to say, I don't see Joseph LaBate rolling out in shorthanded minutes.
Why would the team feel comfortable using a completely different player here? Simple: the return of their captain. LaBate getting the recall ahead of Pyyhtia tells me that the team values a more physical option on its fourth line, now that they can roll out Boone Jenner on the PK instead of Mikael Pyyhtia.
LaBate could have some value as the games get tougher down the stretch. He could provide a spark to this team similar to the one Mathieu Olivier brings. It will be interesting to see how this team plays with another physical presence on the ice. At the very least, I think they will have a much more effective forecheck out of their fourth line.