The Columbus Blue Jackets are 3-3-0 on the year, but that doesn't mean that they're at full strength.
They've been playing without promising young power forward Josh Anderson as he recovers from an injury he suffered during the second game of the season.
Anderson put up 47 points in 82 games last season and was presumed to be the next player to take big a step this season. In two games of 2019-20, Anderson has not yet recorded a point. He averaged 16:28 in ice time over those two games.
Torts on Josh Anderson, who has missed the last four games but skated during #CBJ practice today: "He's progressing. I don't really have any update, but he's progressing."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) October 17, 2019
The Blue Jackets play their seventh game of the season this evening at United Center against the Blackhawks, but it doesn't appear that Anderson is ready to return just yet. In another lineup note, it sounds like Elvis Merzlikins will start in goal against the Blackhawks, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
#CBJ Josh Anderson is skating as part of the morning optional, so doesnt look like hes back tonight vs. #Blackhawks
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 18, 2019
If not tonight, Anderson will have another opportunity tomorrow against the New York Islanders. The Blue Jackets have fared well and gotten their legs underneath them without Anderson, but his presence is a big one – and he makes them that much better.
