Jan 4, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; St. Louis Blues center Dylan Holloway (81) controls the puck as Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (23) defends during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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Columbus Blue Jackets Sean Monahan & Erik Gudbranson Could Return Tomorrow

Columbus may get a boost as Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson are expected to return to the lineup in their next game.

The Columbus Blue Jackets might finally get a much-needed boost as key veterans Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson are nearing their return. According to team reporter Jeff Svoboda, both players could be back in the lineup as early as tomorrow when Columbus faces the New York Islanders. Their return couldn’t come at a better time, with the Blue Jackets desperately looking to snap a six-game losing streak and stay in the playoff hunt.

Monahan has been sidelined since January 7th after sustaining a wrist injury in a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Before the injury, the 30-year-old was having a standout season, notching 14 goals and 27 assists in just 41 games. It was a surprise to many, especially given the skepticism surrounding his free agent signing last summer. When Columbus brought him in on July 1st, critics were doubtful, but Monahan quickly proved his worth, playing a crucial role in keeping the team competitive. His return could provide the offensive spark the Blue Jackets have been missing.

Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan, Erik Gudbranson “ready to go” https://t.co/8FpleiuHcQ
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) March 23, 2025

On the other hand, Gudbranson has had an even longer road back. The physical defenseman played just three games this season before suffering a shoulder injury in mid-October that required surgery. Now 33, he’s looking to regain his form after posting a career-best 26 points last season. While not known for his scoring, his size, toughness, and leadership bring a stabilizing presence to Columbus’ blue line.

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The timing of their return is significant. The Blue Jackets are currently four points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Every game counts, and adding two experienced players back into the lineup could help turn things around. Monahan’s offensive skill and Gudbranson’s defensive grit make them valuable assets as the team tries to regain momentum and push for a postseason berth.

With their season on the line, Columbus fans will be eager to see if Monahan and Gudbranson can provide the spark needed to get back on track. Their potential return against the Islanders could be the first step toward making a late-season push.

Image Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Columbus Blue Jackets

Erik Gudbranson

NHL

Sean Monahan

Anamika Shrivastava

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