Jeff Carter Projected to Play Tonight vs. Habs

Carter practiced on the top line and is projected to play tonight according to Shawn Mitchell of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter. For the team’s complete lines, click here.

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UPDATED 12/6/11: After not practicing for a few days, Carter sounds like he is ready to return to the lineup. The top-line center, who missed Friday night’s game, took part in practice and did not suffer any setbacks. According to Shawn Mitchell of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter, the 26-year-old expects to play tomorrow night. Stay tuned for a further update on his status.

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UPDATED 12/2/11: Jeff Carter will be held out of tonight’s lineup according to the team’s official Twitter. No word on the extent of the injury but it may be related to his ongoing foot problems.

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UPDATED 11/12/11: Jeff Carter will play tonight, returning from his 10-game absence. The London, Ontario native is expected to center the top line. For the team’s full line combinations, click here.

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UPDATE 11/9/11: Columbus Blue Jackets coach spoke to the Columbus Dispatch this morning, admitting that his number one center would “probably not” return to the lineup tomorrow.

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UPDATE 11/8/11: Sounds like Carter could play this week as he targets a Thursday return date. Despite not returning to practice, the team’s top line center sounded relatively confident in his ability to get back into a game. From Puck-Rakers Blog:

Keep an eye out for Carter at practice both tomorrow and Wednesday as that should be a better indicator of his status.

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UPDATE 10/31/11: Jeff Carter received some x-rays on his fractured right foot with the results looking a bit fuzzy. While the team refused to disclose their results, GM Scott Howson told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch that expecting him back this week — where the team is scheduled to take on the Philadelphia Flyers — is a stretch.

Keep him on your bench for now. If you need a short-term option, right wings like Nikolai Kulemin, Radim Vrbata and Erik Cole could be available in your fantasy hockey league.

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UPDATE 10/24/11: The latest update on Jeff Carter has him definitely out tonight. He is also ‘highly unlikely’ to play this weekend according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter. Make sure he remains on your fantasy hockey team’s IR for the time being…

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Nine days after getting placed on injured reserve, Carter is doubtful to play according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter. Hate to say I told you so, but… (click here)

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UPDATE 10/25/11: Tomorrow, October 25th will be exactly seven days since Jeff Carter was placed on the IR, marking the earliest possible date he could return to the lineup. According to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter, Carter will not play. He did not practice today and should be considered doubtful for the rest of the week.

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UPDATE 10/18/11: The newest update comes from ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, via Twitter. Carter will miss the mandatory seven days as he is placed on IR. Look for Derick Brassard to continue manning the top line in his absence.

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Earlier in the preseason, we advised fantasy owners to be weary of Jeff Carter’s achy foot. Following surgery to both feet, they simply are a target on the ice drawing the attention of his opposition. While he was day-to-day due to a bruised foot just a few weeks ago, according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch, via Twitter, he is likely out Tuesday due to a hairline fracture in his foot.

Through his first five games as a member of the Blue Jackets, Carter posted three assists. The former 46-goal scorer has yet to dominate with new linemate Rick Nash but hasn’t looked out of place on the top line either. Look for Ryan Johansen to draw back into the lineup barring a call up from Springfield.

Portzline believes this injury will hold Carter out momentarily but will not be a long-term problem. Stay tuned for a further update on the team’s offseason prize.