Getty Images Even when healthy, the Columbus Blue Jackets rank as underdogs to many, so they face tough odds in their current situation.
The team’s defense is in particular trouble after James Wisniewski* suffered a possible concussion on Saturday, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch. This compounds earlier problems as Nikita Nikitin and Adrian Aucoin were already sidelined with lower-body injuries.
(Columbus announced on Sunday that Nikitin, 26, has been placed on the injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 29.)
GM Scott Howson has already had to insert younger blueliners such as David Savard, 22, and Tim Erixon, 21, into the lineup and now he’s calling upon Nick Holden, 25.
It might not be a short-term patchwork situation, either; Howson told Portzline that injuries might extend beyond their next game on Tuesday versus the Los Angeles Kings.
The greatest burden could fall upon 26-year-old defenseman Jack Johnson, who played just a second under 35 minutes (!) in Saturday’s 4-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings.
Offensively, Portzline reports that 23-year-old forwards Matt Calvert and Cam Atkinson resumed skating, although Atkinson is still likely a week away.
* – Portzline reports that the team will evaluate Wisniewski, 28, further on Monday.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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It seems less and less likely that Miikka Kiprusoff will be in Calgary next season. Flames GM Jay Feaster confirmed as much on Wednesday, saying the 37-year-old goalie was leaning towards retirement when the two conversed last week. It’s not surprising to hear talk of Kipper hanging up his skates, as he struggled through an…
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Nonis says compliance buyout a ‘distinct possibility’ for Leafs
Jun 19, 2013, 5:19 PM EDT
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
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Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
Jun 19, 2013, 4:44 PM EDT
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
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Detroit could have quite the sports and entertainment district.
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His choice. Wasn’t required to go.
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Canada last hosted in 2012.
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“He’s forechecked, done well in the battles as far as trying to come up with the puck, all the things we ask him to do.”
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Trio was huge against L.A. in the Western Conference finals.
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But let’s just wait and see for sure.
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Despite recent reports.
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News and notes: How are the Bruins stopping Chicago’s power play?
Jun 19, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
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News and notes entering Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final showdown — will Boston continue to stymie the power play?
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He spent all of last season with AHL Peoria.
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Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking.
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Persistent Preds sign another: D-man Bartley, three years, $2 million
Jun 19, 2013, 11:35 AM EDT
GM David Poile might be the busiest man in hockey.
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AP
Based on a couple of reports, the answer appears to be yes.
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Sens’ Murray has ‘talked to a number of teams’ about moving up at draft
Jun 19, 2013, 11:17 AM EDT
AP
“If you move up, there’s a chance to maybe get that better player.”
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The duo spent the last three seasons together in Vancouver.
