Jackets' Werenski learning to manage playing heavy minutes, Gavrikov and Sillinger return
Zach Werenski is no stranger to playing heavy minutes.
As of Sunday, the Blue Jackets defenseman was averaging 26:28 per game, and only two players in the NHL, Ottawa's Thomas Chabot and Edmonton's Darnell Nurse, ranked above him in ice time. It's an increase of a little more than two minutes per game from last season, which, according to Werenski, makes a large difference in how he has to manage his energy.
While the 24-year-old relishes joining the play offensively, he's had to hold back at times, so he doesn't burn himself out.
"I think it’s just trying to find times to jump, find times to be offensive, when not to jump," Werenski said. "It’s one of those things where you kind of have to read the game and manage your energy throughout. It just comes with it. It’s been a learning experience this year for me, and I’ve enjoyed it so far. I think it’s only going to continue to get better."
Entering the weekend, Werenski had led the Jackets in ice time in 31 of the 36 games he's played this season. With defensemen Adam Boqvist and Vladislav Gavrikov in COVID-19 protocol Thursday in Philadelphia and Friday at home against Pittsburgh, Werenski skated for 29:58 and 28:45, respectively: his third- and fourth-highest totals of the year and on back-to-back nights.
While Jackets coach Brad Larsen believes no player ever complains about playing more minutes, there's no question Gavrikov's return from COVID-19 protocol Sunday night against Ottawa is welcomed. Werenski's usage should come back down toward his average — though still intense — as Gavrikov re-enters the lineup.
"Zach’s pretty consistent in eating a lot of minutes," Larsen said. "Most guys, they don’t mind playing too much, I’ll tell you that. But, in saying that, with Gavy, we know what he brings. He’s a big, heavy defender. He’s a top four defenseman by every sense of the word.
"He’s a big part of our group back there and we miss him every time he’s not in the lineup. He’s consistent in his effort and his ability to stop plays. It’s great to have him back."
Cole Sillinger returns from COVID-19 protocol
In addition to Gavrikov's return, forward Cole Sillinger also cleared COVID-19 protocol after testing positive prior to the Jackets' game in Florida on Jan. 15. Sillinger's return allowed Alexandre Texier to return to the wing after playing center for three games in his absence, which hadn't gone particularly well. Texier failed to register a point and was minus-6 in those faceoffs.
"Silly’s a good young centerman," Larsen said. "Any time you lose a centerman, it’s tough. We’ve had to play Tex there in the middle. Getting him back will help for sure."
Sillinger said he "didn't really" have symptoms while on the COVID-19 protocol list and was enthusiastic about returning to the lineup.
"Never want to be watching your teammates play," Sillinger said. "You always want to be out there with them and battling hard. It’s going to be a fun night tonight to be back. ... I’ll have fresh legs. I’ll be really excited, lots of adrenaline. I feel good and we’ll just see how it goes tonight."
Jake Christiansen sent to taxi squad, Liam Foudy sent to Cleveland
After activating Gavrikov and Sillinger from COVID-19 protocol, the Blue Jackets assigned defenseman Jake Christiansen to the taxi squad. With Adam Boqvist still in protocol, having an extra defenseman available in Columbus is a benefit, and Christiansen will likely return to the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL when Boqvist returns.
Saturday, the team assigned forward Liam Foudy to the Monsters. Foudy appeared in one game with the Jackets, the loss to Florida on Jan. 15, after being called up from Cleveland to the taxi squad on Jan. 5.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski learning to manage heavy minutes
