Blue Jackets News- 3/9/22 (Robinson, Texier, Korpisalo And "Skate Space" Questions)

I decided to do one huge blog post today, just to cover the many updates from the Columbus Blue Jackets today.   First off we have a player who's returned from Injury Reserve!  Eric Robinson, a Left Winger who hasn't played since January 31st, is officially back on the Blue Jackets Roster.  Welcome back to him and his valuable talent.  With 6 Goals and 11 Assists this season, for a total of 17 points over 42 games, he's needed for the final Playoff push, no doubt.  

Regarding Alexander Texier, he's still at home in France  According to a Tweet by Jeff Svoboda, after discussing the matter with Head Coach Brad Larson, his returning to the team is not "imminent",  His broken figure has also been monitored during this time,, such was also disclosed in the same Jeff Svoboda Tweet.  (See Source List below for full Tweet)  So, what does this mean?  The exact question came up tonight in "Skate Space" with Jeff Svoboda and Dylan Tyrer, tonight, by another fan.  I planned to ask the same thing.  Rumor had it the team was accepting calls on Texier a couple weeks ago.  With that being said, last week Jeff Svoboda made it clear that calls would be taken on anyone, keeping options open for any player.  Again, he clarified that talks are just talks, last week, also.  Both Jeff and Dylan made it clear that they still see no way Texier leaves, gets traded.  Jeff also made a remark, reminding us all that this was a "significant injury" in his mind, regarding Texier's broken finger.  I will admit though, today has made me a bit more anxious to see Texier return, just for the realization he has done so.  Seeing him back now goes beyond him being a great Center for us we need back.  I won't feel sure, personally, until I see him back in a uniform and on the ice now.  I'll keep watching this story as I feel we're far from the end of it.  As a reminder, Texier has 36 total games this season, scoring 11 Goals and 9 Assists, for a 20 point total.  

Regarding Joonas Korpisalo, the Blue Jackets Goaltender will start again, very soon, for the team according to Head Coach Brad Larson.  Jeff Svoboda confirmed this in a Tweet earlier this afternoon.  It seems like a wise move in my mind.  Merzlikins has done well, even if the team has narrowly lost their last 3 games, he's done his very best to lead his team to a win.  For that I think he needs a game, maybe even two, for recovery.  Enter Korpisalo, who's back off of Injury Reserve, and had some practice time to prepare for said game return.  

Now, tonight on "Skate Space" I brought up the idea of a Korpisalo trade, because fans are constantly bringing it up.  I asked them their thoughts, because many of you seem to "want him gone", and that was thee best way I could phrase what I've seen, sadly.  Jeff Svoboda stated he "still thinks he might get traded".  However, "He's just played so little, the unfortunately there isn't much of a market for him now."  He might get traded for "goaltending depth", but I agree with him that moving him to another team, for thee return expected a couple years back, just isn't going to be an option now.  I also agree with Jeff in regard to what the future looks like for Blue Jackets Goaltending.  Jeff stated "Merzlikins and Tarasov".  In this case you have the 27-year-old Goaltender who can mentor the younger 22-year-old Tarasov.  This would be much like the situation we saw between Bobrovsky and Korpisalo a few years back.  Again, this is another story I definitely see developments still coming on, and will watch for you all. 

I also asked about Brandon Gaunce, since he's an Unrestricted Free Agent.  Dylan Tryer doesn't see him as a "major trade".  However, he did agree he could be good guy for "depth" on any team.  Since everyone is discussing Max Domi, the other Unrestricted Free Agent, I threw this one in to gain some perspective.  As I said in my question tonight, he's played 12 games this season and has 3 Goals with 2 Assists.  If we can, I'd keep him for sure.  With him being 27-years-old and having been with the Canucks, Bruins and now the Blue Jackets, he has the ability to lend some leadership to this team.  Further, he's been a great asset in the Center position when the Roster Centers have been injured or ill. For the right price, I'd re-sign him for sure.

These are my thoughts and updates on some key players we've heard a lot in recent days, and weeks, regarding the Trade Deadline March 21st.  It's a date which is coming up fast, so tell me below, what do you think of the guys above?  Would you trade someone, if so to which team and for what?  Do you see someone in the draft I should watch for us?  Is there a player you see that fits into our team well?  Talk to me 5th Line, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Remember, Blue Jackets @ Islanders tomorrow night at 7:30, in a brand new arena too.  It will be fun and we'll talk then.  

Go CBJ!       

Sources:

Jeff Svoboda Tweets:

1)  " The Blue Jackets have activated Eric Robinson from injured reserve.

Would not be a huge surprise to see him back in action tomorrow against the Islanders. #CBJ"

2)  "Larsen also says Alexandre Texier is in France at the moment. His finger was recently checked out but a return is not imminent. #CBJ"

3)  "#CBJ coach Brad Larsen said it’s likely that if Joonas Korpisalo is good to go, he’ll start either tomorrow on Long Island or Friday night at home vs. Minnesota.

4)  "Skate Space" With Dylan Tyrer and Jeff Svoboda- 3/9/22