Is Patrik Laine Close To Returning?

Patrik Laine was injured after being targeted by the Calgary Flames Rasmus Andersson on October 20th. While attempting to send a puck into the open net from right around the blueline, Andersson came in high, left his skates, and drove through Laine's head and neck area. The hit resulted in a concussion for Laine. Andersson was suspended for four games, while Laine has missed nine games. Fans of Columbus were none too happy about Andersson's short suspension.

Laine has been skating on his own and took part in his first practice with the rest of his team this morning. The Jackets desperately need his scoring punch back in the lineup. Could Laine return tomorrow vs. Detroit?

Columbus hopes he's ready sooner rather than later. The Jackets will need to make a move though to bring him back, so what will they do? Someone needs to go down to Cleveland. Dmitri Voronkov, Cole Sillinger, Yegor Chinakhov, and David Jiricek can all be sent down without needing to clear waivers.

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