Gaborik “penciled in” to return on Saturday

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Marian Gaborik is expected to be activated from injured reserve and dress in Saturday’s contest against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Gaborik has been out of the lineup since November 14 because of a sprained knee. He has been skating since early December and is finally healthy enough to return to the lineup after missing almost five weeks. His recovery was right on schedule as he was expected to be out for four-to-six weeks.

Gaborik was acquired from the Rangers last season in exchange for forwards Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett, defenseman John Moore and a 2014 sixth-round pick. He had a relatively slow start to the season recording just five goals and six assists in the first 17 games.

“If he works, and works hard, he’ll probably be our best player,” said Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards. “But [they have] to go hand in hand, the work and talent.”

While on injured reserve the former three-time 40-goal scorer saw his owned percentage in Yahoo! Leagues drop from 100% to the 82% it is right now. If he is available in your league, he is a must-add. In Blue Jackets practice this morning, Gabo was skating on the right-side of Artem Anisimov with Nick Foligno on the left. Foligno has five goals and four assists in his last 12 games, while Anisimov has four goals and two assists in his last 13.

Columbus will also receive a boost on the blue-line as James Wisniewski returns to the lineup after a six game absence. He is tied for fourth on the team in scoring with 18 points (2G / 16A) in 28 games. His 18 points has him tied for 17th amongst NHL blueliners.