Bemstrom hopes to return to Jackets lineup vs. Predators
Emil Bemstrom might be close to making his season debut.
As long as the Blue Jackets' game Thursday against the Nashville Predators isn't postponed, there's a chance he might dress for his first NHL game since the May 8 finale of last season against the Detroit Red Wings. If so, it will be Bemstrom's first game of any kind in three weeks — after a stint Dec. 3-6 with the Cleveland Monsters — and his first appearance for Columbus since the penultimate game of the preseason Oct. 8 in St. Louis.
Bemstrom, who strained an oblique muscle two days before the seasonopener, is also in the final year of his entry-level contract. If he wants to earn a new deal, returning to the lineup and carving out a regular role is imperative.
“I've been ready (physically) since a month ago, so I feel pretty good,” said Bemstrom, who watched games from the press box after being recalled Dec. 8 from the Monsters. “I'm in good shape and just waiting to get back out there.”
It's been a tedious wait.
The injury occurred just days after Bemstrom earned one of the final NHL spots on the Blue Jackets' roster. His drop to injured reserve cleared a path for rookie Yegor Chinakhov and then Justin Danforth — a 28-year old firstyear forward — to get opportunities that could've belonged to him.
Chinakhov and Danforth have capitalized on those chances to impress, but that doesn't mean the door is shut on Bemstrom this season. He just needs to get back into the lineup and impress the coaching staff enough to stay in it.
“I came out from a good camp before I got injured and that's how it is in this business,” he said. “I've been injured a lot here, when I've been here, so I've just got to keep the mindset on the right (thoughts) and just keep going from there. I've been waiting a long time now. I'm in good shape, so I need to get my legs moving right away and try to find my game.”
Jenner returns, Bayreuther added to Blue Jackets’ COVID-19 list
The Blue Jackets got their captain back for practice Wednesday after Boone Jenner gained clearance to return from the NHL'S COVID-19 protocols list.
Jenner, who experienced mild symptoms at the outset of his infection, centered a line with Gregory Hofmann and
Jakub Voracek on the wings. He also resumed his net-front spot on the top power-play unit and could also go right back to his spot with the top penaltykilling group if he plays against Nashville.
“I felt good,” Jenner said. “They've been practicing (this week), and I just wanted to jump in. I tried to stay active throughout the process. I tried to ramp it up a little bit (at home), so I think that helped. It's always different when you've been off the ice and you try to jump back on, so I was happy with how I felt.”
Defenseman Gavin Bayreuther tested positive before practice Wednesday's workout and was added to the list. Oliver Bjorkstrand just went into quarantine Monday.
Laine questionable against Predators
After skating with Voracek and Alexandre Texier but not participating in power-play work Tuesday, forward Patrik Laine did the opposite Wednesday. He skated with taxi-squad forwards Josh Dunne and Tyler Sekura for the bulk of practice and then resumed his usual spot at left wing on the top powerplay unit to conclude the day's work.
Larsen did not provide insight into what any of it means for Laine's availability to return Thursday from an oblique strain that has kept him out eight weeks.. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger