Columbus Blue Jackets notes: Danforth progressing, Hutchinson gets the call twice
This was supposed to be Justin Danforth’s breakout season.
After proving himself with the Blue Jackets in his first taste of the NHL, the 29-year old forward primed expectations for this season with an impressive training camp. His speed flashed, his energy was contagious and Danforth earned roles on both special teams units — including the “bumper” spot for a top power-play group featuring Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine.
It lasted only six games before Danforth sustained a torn shoulder labrum in a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Oct. 20. After attempting to play through it two days later in a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Danforth was scheduled for surgery in early November.
“He’s one of those ‘identity’ players,” Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said. “It’s just unfortunate he got hurt and for the length that it’s been, but that’s sport. That’s hockey and there’s nothing we can do about it. But I know how hard he’s been working to get back. He’s a good player and we miss him.”
Given a timeline of four-to-six months, Danforth is already back to practicing and hopes to play before the end of the season. Most returning players who gain clearance to practice rejoin the active lineup within a week or two, so Danforth could be back sooner than later.
If so, the Blue Jackets could get a late boost.
Danforth earned a two-year contract extension last year with 10 goals, four assists and 14 points in 45 games and had 2-1-3 in six games before the injury. Returning would be a chance to build on those numbers going into another long offseason.
“He wants to play, no question,” Larsen said. “He’s hungry to get back. We’ll listen to all the medical people and that’s their department … but this is another step in his progression.”
Hutchinson impressive in relief for Columbus Blue Jackets
Michael Hutchinson hadn’t played for the Vegas Golden Knights and logged only seven games for the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights before the Blue Jackets acquired him March 2 in a trade for Jonathan Quick. His most recent outing before the trade was Feb. 19 in Tucson, and that was after sitting nearly two full months as the Silver Knights’ third option.
Since arriving in Columbus, Hutchinson, 33, was put right to work as Elvis Merzlikins’ replacement in a road losses to the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. He allowed one goal on 16 shots in 31:45 against the Senators and five goals on 40 shots in 37:13 against the Penguins, replacing Merzlikins in Ottawa on a coach’s decision and because of illness in Pittsburgh.
Hutchinson was sharp in his first 20 minutes against the Penguins, making 15 saves on 16 shots again, but was peppered with shots and goals in the third period and overtime. Despite allowing three goals in the first 2:59 of that game, the Blue Jackets’ new backup has impressed.
Get more Columbus Blue Jackets talk on the Cannon Fodder podcast
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Justin Danforth eyes return for Columbus Blue Jackets
