Columbus could get their captain back sooner than expected
According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets could see Boone Jenner return to the lineup sooner than expected.
Jenner has been out all season after suffering a shoulder injury at the end of training camp. He has since gotten the green light to join the team at practice, though he is still wearing a non-contact jersey.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets have been more tight-lipped than ever about injuries this season — not just in noting the specific injury, but in making public a timeline for return — but a lot was going on behind the scenes late last week."
This could indicate that the Blue Jackets won’t make his return public until he is 100% ready to play.
Portzline was able to shed some light on when the Blue Jackets' captain could be back in action:
"Jenner hopes to return on the other side of the mid-season break for the 4 Nations Face-Off, which should put his season debut on Feb. 22 vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. That means he’ll miss the next six games, beginning with Thursday’s game in Las Vegas."
Although it seems far away, his return will be a major boost to the lineup—almost like acquiring a new player at the deadline.
Jenner will most likely start off replacing Sean Monahan before shifting to the wing, where he was practicing before his injury in camp.
What's Next: The Blue Jackets have a four-day break and will travel to Vegas next Thursday to play the Golden Knights.
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