The Columbus Blue Jackets conclude their three game home stretch as the Blue Jackets collide with the St. Louis Blues for their first meeting of two. Thanks to the schedulers, the Jackets and Blue face each other twice over the next two Saturdays.
The Blues are in transition as the franchise is developing their incoming general manager and cup winner Alexander Steen under the eyes of Doug Armstrong.
Out
Center Kevin Hayes, friend and Paul bearer of Johnny Gaudreau, was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins with a second round pick for future considerations.
Winger Kasperi Kapanen was claimed off of waivers by the Edmonton Oilers.
Defenders Calle Rosen and Josh Jacobs both signed with other minor affiliates.
Winger Adam Gaudette signed a bargain contract with Ottawa.
Defender Pierre-Olivier Joseph was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations.
Forward Will Bitten and defender Wyatt Kalynuk signed in Europe.
Defender Paul Fischer was traded to Edmonton.
In
Alexandre Texier was acquired via trade from Columbus for a fourth round pick.
Mathieu Jospeh was acquired via trade from the Ottawa Senators for future considerations.
Radek Faksa was acquired via trade from the Dallas Stars for future considerations.
Ryan Suter signed a free agent after his buyout from Dallas.
Forwards Dylan Holloway and defender Phillip Broberg signed offer sheets.
Preview
The Blues are coming in off a shutout win against the Senators highlighted by former Blue Jackets’ winger Brandon Saad having a natural hattrick. They are riding momentum since the Winter Classic win.
Columbus is seeking their first win of the new calendar year. Last time this club saw Montgomery, he was fired by the Bruins’ in his final game behind the bench.
Expect a Joel Hofer v Daniil Tarasov goalie battle
Projected Lineups
St. Louis Blues
Brandon Saad -- Robert Thomas -- Pavel Buchnevich Dylan Holloway -- Brayden Schenn -- Jordan Kyrou Jake Neighbours -- Mathieu Joseph -- Zack Bolduc Alexey Toropchenko -- Nathan Walker -- Alexandre Texier
Cam Fowler -- Colton Parayko Philip Broberg -- Justin Faulk Ryan Suter -- Tyler Tucker
Jordan Binnington Joel Hofer
Scratched: Scott Perunovich
Injured: Radek Faksa (lower body), Nick Leddy (lower body), Oskar Sundqvist (illness)
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dmitri Voronkov -- Sean Monahan -- Kirill Marchenko James van Riemsdyk -- Adam Fantilli -- Zach Aston-Reese Kent Johnson -- Cole Sillinger -- Mathieu Olivier Mikael Pyyhtia -- Sean Kuraly
Zach Werenski -- Dante Fabbro Denton Mateychuk -- Ivan Provorov Jake Christiansen -- Damon Severson Jack Johnson
Elvis Merzlikins Daniil Tarasov
Scratched: Jordan Harris, Kevin Labanc
Injured: Yegor Chinakhov (upper body), Justin Danforth (lower body)
Players to Watch
St. Louis — Alexandre Texier — the Frenchman gets his first game back in Columbus since the trade by Waddell this offseason. Tex only has 7 points - 3 goals, 4 helpers - in 21 games played with the Blues in his first year.
Columbus — Denton Mateychuk — the rookie has been getting a proper showcase under Evason and the Jackets’ management, unlike Jiricek. The rookie had an assist on New Years Eve for his first career point. Since, he has been quietly averaging 17:17 a game, but has been solid overall. Wondering when the first goal arrives on his stick.
Predicted Final Score
STL — 2
CBJ — 4