COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Blue Jackets are getting back two of its star players just in time for the club to make a late push for the playoffs.
Columbus announced Monday that it has activated defenseman Erik Gudbranson and forward Sean Monahan off the Injured Reserve list after both missed significant playing time this season.
Gudbranson suffered a shoulder injury in the home opener against Florida on Oct. 15, requiring surgery and sidelining him for 66 games. Monahan underwent surgery to repair an injured wrist and will be available for the first time since Jan. 7.
Their return to the ice comes as the Blue Jackets have fallen in the race for the playoff spot. Since their Stadium Series win over the Red Wings on March 1, Columbus has lost eight of its last nine, including the last six in a row. The club currently sits fifth in the wild card standings, eight points behind Ottawa for the first wild card spot and four behind Montreal for the second.
The Blue Jackets return to the ice Monday night on the road against the Islanders with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m.