The Columbus Blue Jackets are navigating a mix of injury concerns, recent roster changes, and the ever-present swirl of trade rumors as they return from the holiday break. Here's a breakdown of the key developments surrounding the team:
Injury Updates
The Blue Jackets are dealing with several injuries as they head into their game against the Islanders. The most pressing concern revolves around defenseman Zach Werenski, who is questionable for Sunday's game due to a lower-body injury sustained in the game of December 20. According to head coach Dean Evason, Werenski is undergoing further evaluation, making his participation in the upcoming game doubtful.
Several other players remain on injured reserve, including Kirill Marchenko and Mathieu Olivier, both nursing upper-body injuries. Boone Jenner is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gudbranson is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Other players on injured reserve include Miles Wood (face), Denton Mateychuk (groin), Jordan Dumais (hip), Owen Sillinger (knee), Luca Marrelli (shoulder), and Justin Danforth (lower body). Nick Blankenburg and Jake Bean are out long term. Liam Foudy is also injured. Daniil Tarasov is questionable.
Mason Marchment Acquisition
In a move to add size and toughness, the Blue Jackets acquired veteran left winger Mason Marchment from the Seattle Kraken just before the NHL's holiday roster freeze. Columbus sent the New York Rangers' fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and their own 2027 second-round pick to Seattle in exchange for the 30-year-old forward. Marchment has four goals and nine assists in 29 games this season. He has a $4.5 million AAV.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said that Marchment is a physical, hard-nosed competitor with proven offensive ability. Marchment made a strong first impression, scoring twice in his second game with the Blue Jackets in a win against the Kings.
Yegor Chinakhov Trade Rumors
Forward Yegor Chinakhov may be seeking a fresh start. With the NHL roster freeze expiring, the Buffalo Sabres, led by former Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, are rumored to be a potential destination for Chinakhov. Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic believe that Chinakhov could benefit from a change of scenery, highlighting his strength and speed as attractive attributes. Kekalainen drafted Chinakhov in the first round in 2021.
Sean Monahan's Role
Sean Monahan signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2024. The move was intended to reunite Monahan with former Calgary teammate Johnny Gaudreau. In 83 games last year split between the Canadiens and Jets, Monahan had 26 goals and 59 points.
Other News
Forward Brendan Gaunce has been designated non-roster for personal reasons. The Blue Jackets recalled Luca del Bel Belluz from emergency loan.
