© Samantha Madar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b27cb77e-4c2d-40e7-bb66-498d930ddaa0.jpeg] © Samantha Madar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images After practice today, Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason provided an update on the injured Erik Gudbranson. Evason met with the media and said that Gudbranson is on track to return sometime next week. Former Columbus Goalie Pascal Leclaire Given Special Gift From Alex Ovechkin [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2Ff1429817-d99e-4ce5-b978-273b2ebe341b.webp?alt=media] Former Columbus Goalie Pascal Leclaire Given Special Gift From Alex Ovechkin Former <a href="http://thn.com/columbus">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> goalie, Pascal Leclaire, was given something he'll cherish forever. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/former-columbus-goalie-pascal-leclaire-given-special-gift-from-alex-ovechkin] If the Blue Jackets are able to get him back next week, it will have a huge impact on the roster. Especially with the team struggling a bit as of late, having a veteran defenseman who can step in and settle things down will be very helpful. Gudbranson, 33, has been out since undergoing shoulder surgery in late October. If there were a prediction for his return, it might be Monday, March 17, against the New Jersey Devils. While that game may not be as much about catching them for third in the division, it will be more about showing that this team can bounce back against opponents they've struggled against in big games. Blue Jackets Reportedly Interested In Intriguing Forward From Penguins [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2F2711c0dd-239f-44e4-908b-2371313cea1a.jpeg?alt=media] Blue Jackets Reportedly Interested In Intriguing Forward From Penguins Yesterday, news came out from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6190363/2025/03/10/penguins-nhl-trade-deadline-free-agency/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a> that the Columbus Blue Jackets have expressed interest in Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-reportedly-interested-in-intriguing-forward-from-penguins] Adding him to the blue line will feel very similar to a trade deadline acquisition, likely giving the team a morale boost, and he will play a big part in that. Gudbranson is a leader on and off the ice, and having him return to the lineup at any point in the season is huge. But adding him back in the thick of a playoff race is nearly perfect for the Blue Jackets. Elliotte Friedman To Vote For Zach Werenski For The Hart Trophy? [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2F443e5910-d968-4ca2-9c49-43ab4d15ec43.webp?alt=media] Elliotte Friedman To Vote For Zach Werenski For The Hart Trophy? Sportsnet’s <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/">Elliotte Friedman took to his podcast</a> today to make his case for Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/elliotte-friedman-to-vote-for-zach-werenski-for-the-hart-trophy] Columbus Gets Shut Out By Vegas In Ugly Loss [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2F43bcfda7-7b4f-47cc-8c03-5cb09931401f.webp?alt=media] Columbus Gets Shut Out By Vegas In Ugly Loss The <a href="https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> were shut out by the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/">Vegas Golden Knights</a> 4-0 on Thursday night. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/columbus-gets-shut-out-by-vegas-in-ugly-loss] An Early Look at the Blue Jackets' 2025 Pending Free Agents [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2Fc61b72af-3278-491c-9f7a-884944b0e6e5.jpeg?alt=media] An Early Look at the Blue Jackets' 2025 Pending Free Agents The NHL's trade deadline has come and gone, and now it is time to look at teams' free agents as they gear up for the playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/a-look-at-the-blue-jackets-2025-pending-free-agent] Gaudreau/Higgins Trial Update [https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/deweb-519a7.appspot.com/o/posts%2FNHLCBJ%2Fcontent-images%2Fba0cc87f-fe55-4507-a5bf-ee3505af40f8.webp?alt=media] Gaudreau/Higgins Trial Update There's been a new update in the Sean Higgins trial. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/gaudreauhiggins-trial-update]
