The Columbus Blue Jackets have spent the past few months navigating a brutal stretch of injuries, but as the Olympic break nears, there’s a glimmer of relief - and maybe, just maybe, the worst is behind them.
With just four games remaining before the league pauses for the Olympics, the Jackets are finally fielding a mostly healthy roster. The lone exception is defenseman Brendan Smith, who remains sidelined for the rest of the regular season following knee surgery. It’s a tough blow - Smith brought a veteran presence on the blue line - but the fact that the rest of the lineup is intact is a welcome sight for a team that’s lost a staggering 146 man-games to injury this season.
That number tells the story. Depth has been tested, rotations shuffled, and young players thrust into bigger roles. But now, with the group largely back together, Columbus has a chance to build some momentum heading into a pivotal stretch.
One name to watch is Dante Fabbro. The defenseman has missed several games with a lower-body injury, but all signs point to a return soon. Getting him back would be another important step toward stabilizing the back end, especially with Smith out long-term.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Olympic break looming, this next stretch of four games offers Columbus a shot to tighten things up and head into the pause on a high note.
More importantly, the break itself could serve as a much-needed reset for players who are still banged up but grinding through. Rest, recovery, and a clean slate could go a long way in setting the tone for the final push before the trade deadline.
Next up: a Friday night matchup in Chicago against the Blackhawks. It’s a chance for the Jackets to test their healthier lineup, continue building chemistry, and maybe start stringing together the kind of performances that have been hard to come by during this injury-riddled campaign.
The road hasn’t been easy, but with bodies returning and the schedule offering a natural breather, the Blue Jackets are positioned to regroup. The five-game sprint after the Olympic break will be crucial - not just for the standings, but for setting the direction of the season as the deadline looms.