Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner out tonight vs. Avalanche, Merzlikins day-to-day

Jenner has notched 22 goals and 13 assists for 35 points in 58 games this season. The 30-year-old leads the Blue Jackets in the goals department and ranks third among skaters for points. The third-year captain was previously injured back in December causing him to miss a month of hockey after taking a puck to the face from teammate Ivan Provorov. Jenner was playing some of his best hockey to date at the time, scoring 13 goals and 20 points in 29 games, Jenner’s play earned him a spot in the 2024 NHL all-star game, taking place Feb. 3 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Merzlikins is out with a lower-body injury, the Riga, Latvia product has appeared in 41 games compiling a 13-17-8 record and a 3.45 goals-against average and one shutout. Merzlikins last played on March. 30 where he stopped 30 out of 33 shots and earned a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Meanwhile, Justin Danforth will draw into the lineup in Jenner’s absence, while Jet Greaves will take the backup position. Danforth has scored 10 goals and 11 assists for 21 points in 63 games this season and missed time due to a concussion. Greaves has three starts this season and holds a 1-2-0 record and a 3.38 goals-against average.