Blue Jackets Get 2 Key Players From Injuries To Make Playoff Run

Friday, February 21, 2025 , , ,

The Columbus Blue Jackets are getting a significant boost as they return from the 4 Nations break.

Captain Boone Jenner and leading goal-scorer Kirill Marchenko have been activated off injured reserve and set to play against the Blackhawks tomorrow. 

However, the team will be without depth winger Kevin Labanc, who is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Jenner, 31, will make his season debut after missing over four months due to shoulder surgery following a training camp injury. A versatile forward and team leader, Jenner has been a consistent performer, averaging over 20 minutes per game and scoring 20+ goals in each of the last three seasons.

Despite a history of injuries, he remains a key piece for Columbus, especially with their top center Sean Monahan sidelined until after the trade deadline. 

As noted by PuckPedia, Jenner is expected to slot in as a second-line left wing alongside Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson, while rookie Adam Fantilli continues to anchor the top line in Monahan’s absence. 

Marchenko, 24, returns after missing three games due to a jaw injury. His 21 goals and 55 points in 53 games have been vital to the Blue Jackets’ playoff push. Columbus is just one point behind Detroit for the final wild-card spot in the East, making their upcoming outdoor game at Ohio State a must-watch.

On the downside, Labanc’s season-ending surgery leaves a gap in the team’s depth. Though he had been a healthy scratch in nine of the last 10 games, his underlying metrics and occasional offensive contributions will be missed. To fill the void, the Jackets have recalled Joseph Labate from the AHL, who is expected to make his NHL debut this weekend.

The Blue Jackets’ injury woes continue, with Monahan (wrist) and Yegor Chinakhov (upper body) still sidelined. Despite these challenges, the return of Jenner and Marchenko provides a much-needed spark as Columbus aims to climb the standings and secure a playoff spot.


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