Columbus Blue Jackets News

Talbot will return to the Kings' starters crease after backing up last game as he takes on Seattle Wednesday. The 36-year-old signed a one-year, $1 million contract in the offseason which has payed off fruitfully for the Kings as Talbot has been one of the leagues best goaltenders with his 13-5-2 record, .926 SV% and 2.02 GAA. He will host the Seattle Kraken Wednesday, who have lost two straight games and are struggling to score being 28th in the NHL in goals per game (2.7).

Severson has missed 14 games with an oblique injury suffered on November 19th and, after being a full participant at practice on Wednesday, could return to the lineup imminently. Head Coach Pascal Vincent used "before Christmas" as a target for Severson's return, suggesting he will play either on Thursday against the Washington Capitals or Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before his injury, Severson had three points (2G / 1A) in his last two games and has eight points (3G / 5A) in 19 games this season.

Moving Copley to LTIR means that Copley will be out a minimum of 10 games or 24 days. With Copley out, the Kings have recalled David Rittich from the AHL and he will serve as their No.2 behind Cam Talbot.

If Copley has to miss any time this season, the Kings will likely recall David Rittich, who has spent the entire season with the Ontario Reign (AHL), posting a 2.63 GAA and .901 SV% in 16 games (7-6-3). In any event, Cam Talbot should continue to see the lion's share of action between the pipes as he continues to have an exceptional season.

Gudbranson was suspended one game for being the aggressor in his altercation with Nick Cousins of the Florida Panthers. Gudbranson did not play on Thursday but will return to the Blue Jackets lineup on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. Gudbranson has 10 points (2G / 8A), 23 hits, and 66 blocks while averaging 19:34 time-on-ice through 27 games this season.

Knies will miss his second straight game as he continues to battle an illness. Knies has been held to just one point (0G / 1A) in his last six games, averaging 15:47 time-on-ice. On Tuesday, Knies was replaced by Noah Gregor on the top line and skated in that same spot at Thursday's morning skate.

Knies was a late scratch for Tuesday's game with the Leafs announcing his absence less than 30 minutes before puck drop. The 21-year-old rookie has six goals and five assists in 25 games with the Maple Leafs this season. His first chance to return to the lineup will be on Saturday against the Penguins.

The incident occurred in Sunday's game between the Panthers and Blue Jackets after Cousins was penalized for boarding Gudbranson earlier in the game. Gudbranson will miss Thursday's game against the Leafs as a result and will be eligible to return for Saturday's game against the Devils.

With Elvis Merzlikins unable to play due to an illness, Greaves was forced to play on the back end of a back-to-back on Friday and was rewarded another start on Sunday after a strong performance. In two games (1-1-), the 22-year-old Greaves saved 72 of 77 shots (.935 SV%) and posted a 2.52 GAA. He will now return to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL as Columbus has recalled Daniil Tarasov.