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Hit List - Johnson, Lindstrom, Jiricek, Olivier |
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Kent Johnson Returns!
Kent Johnson returns to the lineup for the first time since October 17 after a reported shoulder injury. The fifth pick from 2021 has 5 points in 4 games. Johnson is in against Tampa on Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Nationwide Arena to commence a four game home stand over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Cayden Lindstrom Back Issues Continue
The 2024 fourth overall draft selection had a minor surgical procedure in his back, and is expected to play for the WHL Medicine Hat Tigers in January 2025. Lindstrom has been in Central Ohio since he was selected by the franchise for ongoing evaluations.
Smart to keep him around the team for him to learn the ropes of becoming a pro, but he has not played hockey in over a year. The kid needs to play and develop. Lindstrom is slowly becoming magic beans; an unknown.
AHL Demotions - David Jiricek, Gavin Brindley, Mikael Pyyhita
The saga continues to circle in Columbus as right handed defender Jiricek was sent to the minors by President/GM Don Waddell. Jiricek was the sixth overall draft selection in 2022. His draft selection was the key piece in the Seth Jones trade.
Columbus coach Dean Evason continues to cut Jiricek for Jack Johnson; Jordan Harris; and Jake Christainsen. In six games this season, the six foot four defender has averaged 11:12 in time on ice with little to zero powerplay shifts. As a to be 21 year old, he is now slated to be the top defenseman in Cleveland with the scorching hot Denton Mateychuk.
According to Aaron Portzline of the Athletic
Waddell believes Jiricek should be on the main roster, yet he does not believe in interfering with Evason's lineup decisions. There is also reported issues with skating, and being on the puck. Also, some beat reporters are bonding with Jiricek over discussions of the best press box interviews.
Brutal look for Jiricek. Waiting for the breakout and spotlight on him in Columbus upon his return.
Gavin Brindley was demoted on November 14 to Cleveland after suffering a broken finger in preseason in Columbus.
Mikael Pyyhita has only one goal scored in 17 games. The 22 year old was demoted to Cleveland for the return of Kent Johnson.
Mathieu Olivier Trade Rumor
Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff suggests Blue Jackets' winger Mathieu Olivier as a potential trade target for contending teams. Considered one of the biggest tough guys in the league, the pending unrestricted free agent is already on a career season with 6 goals in 18 games. His $1.1M cap hit may be very attractive to teams looking to go deep in the postseason.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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