Blue Jackets Get Huge Boost as 2 Key Stars Return for Must-Win Canucks Game

3 weeks ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The Columbus Blue Jackets will welcome back forward Cole Sillinger and defenseman Jake Christiansen for Friday’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic. Both players have been medically cleared after recovering from their injuries. Sillinger, who was on injured reserve, will need to be activated, while Christiansen remained on the active roster during his absence. #CBJ Cole Sillinger and Jake Christiansen have been medically cleared and could play vs. Vancouver on Friday.— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 26, 2025Sillinger’s ReturnThe 21-year-old Sillinger hasn’t played since late February after suffering a shoulder injury against the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 27. He missed the subsequent outdoor game, and GM Don Waddell confirmed he’d be sidelined for several weeks. His placement on IR opened a spot for Yegor Chinakhov’s return, but with no roster restrictions post-trade deadline, no corresponding move is necessary this time.If he plays against Vancouver, Sillinger will look to build on his most productive offensive season to date. The 2021 12th overall pick has rebounded from a challenging sophomore year, posting career highs in assists (0.39 per game) and points (0.54 per game) this season. With 9 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, he ranks ninth on the team in scoring but holds a team-worst -15 rating. He’s also averaged 17:18 of ice time per game—sixth among Columbus forwards—and has won 46.4% of his faceoffs.It’s uncertain who will make way for Sillinger in the lineup. Columbus sits two points out of a wild-card spot, trailing the Islanders and Rangers while holding a slim 13% playoff probability per MoneyPuck. A Canucks win over the Islanders could help their postseason push.Christiansen’s StatusChristiansen has been sidelined since March 13 with an upper-body injury, missing five games. Before the injury, he had appeared in all 65 of Columbus’ games this season. However, with Gudbranson back in the lineup, Christiansen may remain a healthy scratch despite being cleared. The 24-year-old defenseman has averaged 12:43 per game, recording 1 goal, 7 assists, a +8 rating, and 47 hits this season.Image - Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ...

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