The Columbus Blue Jackets return in front of the fifth line to collide with the New York Rangers for a Saturday night tilt. Puckdrop is at 7pm on Bally Sports Ohio and MSG.

This is their first meeting of the season. The Rangers have made a lot of veteran changes to their roster.

Out

Patrick Kane remains an unsigned free agent after getting offseason hip surgery.

Vladimir Tarasenko signed a short term deal with Ottawa.

Jaroslav Halak remains unsigned as he is looking for a full time backup role.

Lauri Pajuniemi signed with the SHL.

Libor Hajek and Cooper Zech become unrestricted after not signing their qualifying offers. Hajek was released from his tryout with Pittsburgh before the season.

Patrick Khodorenko signed with Charlotte.

Jayden Grubbe was traded to Edmonton.

William Lockwood and Nikko Mikkola signed with Florida.

Wyatt Kalynuk joined the Blues.

Tim Gettinger inked a deal with Detroit.

Ryan Carpenter signed with San Jose; Ty Emberson was claimed off waivers during the preseason.

Tyler Motte signed with Tampa Bay.

Head coach Gerard Gallant was dismissed after a quick first round exit.

In

Forwards Blake Wheeler, Nick Bonino, and Tyler Pitlick signed one year deals. Forwards Riley Nash and Alex Belzile signed to two years.

Defenders Erik Gustaffson, Connor Mackey, Mac Hollowell sign to one year deals.

Goalie Jonathan Quick signed to one year to backup Igor.

Peter Laviolette was hired after being dismissed from the Washington Capitals.

Nash and Quick join Panarin as former Blue Jackets on the club.

This is the first game without Zach Werenski after his quad contusion injury in the home opener. Adam Fantilli already earned his first NHL point, but he is looking for his first career goal. Pascal Vincent is seeking his first win as head coach. Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov are looking for their first points on their new team.

For the lineup, we get KJ for his season debut at the cost of Emil
Bemstrom. Mathieu Olivier is reportedly set to make his return, and Jack Roslovic is getting sat. Adam Boqvist slides in for Werenski’s injury. Elvis v Igor.

Projected Lineups

New York Rangers

Chris Kreider—Mika Zibanejad—Kappo Kakko
Artemi Panarin—Filip Chytil—Alexis Lafereniere
Will Cuylle—Vincent Throchek—Blake Wheeler
Barclay Goodrow—Nick Bonino—Tyler Pitlick

Ryan Lindgren—Adam Fox
K’Andre Miller—Jacob Trouba
Erik Gustafsson—Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick

Scratched - Jimmy Vessey, Zach Jones


Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau—Boone Jenner—Kirill Marchenko
Adam Fantilli—Patrik Laine—Alexandre Texier
Kent Johnson—Cole Sillinger—Justin Danforth
Eric Robinson—Sean Kuraly—Mathieu Olivier

Ivan Provorov—Damon Severson
Jake Bean—Erik Gudbranson
Adam Boqvist—Andrew Peeke

Elvis Merzlikins
Spencer Martin

Scratched - Liam Foudy, Emil Bemstrom, Jack Roslovic

Injured - Zach Werenski, Jordan Dumais, Cameron Butler, Daniil Tarasov, Yegor Chinakov,


Players to Watch

New York - Artemi Panarin - the Breadman got rid of his hair over the summer to refresh and refocus himself for the new season. He had 2 points against Buffalo in their first game.

Columbus - Adam Fantilli - looking for his first career goal. It’s a matter of when. Sooner the better for the rookie. Plus getting his roommate in Laine tonight, added incentive.

Predicted Final Score

NYR - 3

CBJ - 2

OT/SO

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