Columbus Blue Jackets News

Coyle (knee) is expected to return to the Wild lineup tonight vs. Calgary.

Coyle missed 11 games with a knee injury but returned on Friday, before re-aggravating it and missing Sunday's contest. He appears as if he will be back in the lineup tonight after participating in the morning skate on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. Coyle had 14 points (8G / 6A) in 37 games last season, but if he can stick on the top-line - he should drastically improve on those numbers.

Charlie Coyle
Coyle (knee) will play tonight vs. Montreal.

Coyle had missed 11 games because of a sprained knee. Thursday, he centered a line with Zach Parise and had Justin Fontaine and Dany Heatley taking turns on the right side. Coyle also worked with the first power-play unit, joining Parise and Mikko Koivu with Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville at the points.

Charlie Coyle
Wild coach Mike Yeo said that Charlie Coyle (knee) skated today before the team’s practice, which is a promising sign.

Even more promising, Coyle was working on his shot in the shooting cage in the tunnel at Xcel Energy Center. Yet the most promising news is that Yeo plans to have Coyle participate in the team’s morning skate tomorrow.

Charlie Coyle
The Flames announce Sean Monahan will stay with team this season.

Last night was Monahan's ninth game, so the Flames had to decide whether to keep him and burn the first year of his entry level contract, or send him back to juniors. It is no surprise that he stays with the team after the rookie's hot-start. Monahan has six goals and three assists (nine points) in nine games. He is averaging 15:47 TOI, but has seen his ice-time rise to 21 and 19 minutes in the last two outings.

Sean Monahan
Second-line center Charlie Coyle will miss 3-4 weeks with a sprained knee, the Wild announced tonight. The injury occurred with 8:54 left in the second period Saturday against Anaheim when Coyle was checked in the neutral zone by the Ducks' Andrew Cogliano.

This is a huge blow for Coyle and the 0-0-2 Wild. Coyle won the second-line center position early in an outstanding training camp, one in which he scored three goals in five exhibition games. "It's not an ideal situation, but I'm fortunate it's nothing worse than it is," Coyle said. "I'm going to keep a positive mindset and I'm looking forward to recovering and doing everything I can to be healthy again."

Charlie Coyle
Boone Jenner did not last long on the Blue Jackets top line. He was dropped to the third line after head coach Todd Richards thought the game was a bit quick for him early on. He said Jenner got better as the game progressed, but Blake Comeau skated most of the game alongside Brandon Dubinsky and Marian Gaborik.

Jenner finished with 12 shifts and 10:27 of ice time, but he was noticeable on several occasions. He does not hold much fantasy value on the third line.

Boone Jenner
Forward Boone Jenner not only made the team but has earned a spot on the No. 1 line with center Brandon Dubinsky and right wing Marian Gaborik, at least at the start of the season. The opener is Friday vs. Calgary.

"Based on what they were able to do and how they were able to play as a group, I would be foolish to try and experiment with (Jenner) now somewhere else, just because they worked so well together.” Jenner was the 37th overall pick in 2011 and has yet to play a regular season NHL game. As long as he is on the first line, he is worthy of a roster spot in very-deep leagues.

Boone Jenner
Erik Gudbranson has yet to translate his offensive production from junior into the NHL. He has missed 26 games in his first two NHL seasons scoring just two goals and 10 assists in 104 games.

For what it is worth, through three preseason games the 2010 third overall pick has three goals and three assists. He is currently tied with PK Subban and Dennis Wideman for the most points by a defenseman. Gudbranson could finally be ready for a breakout season.

Erik Gudbranson
Rookie Boone Jenner will likely start the season on the first line with Marian Gaborik and Brandon Dubinsky. “I don’t even know right now if it’s (a) hard (decision),” head coach Todd Richards said. “The way he’s playing, he’s fit right in with that line.

The 6-foot-2, 205 lbs. forward had 45 goals and 37 assists in 56 games with the Oshawa Generals last season. Playing on the first line makes Jenner an interesting deep sleeper heading into drafts. He likely won't stay on the first line all year but he is good in all zones which will keep him on the Blue Jackets roster.

Boone Jenner
Calgary Flames prospect Sean Monahan impressing in pre-season

“For such a young centreman, I think he’s adapting real well to NHL hockey,” head coach Bob Hartley said at the morning skate. “He still has things to learn which is perfectly normal for any kids that age. He doesn’t get rattled. He’s very poised . . . we have big plans for this young man." It sounds like Monahan has a good shot at making the Flames opening night roster.

Sean Monahan