Blue jacket Monahan, Gudbranson, Sillinger are all close to reward – Hockey writer – Columbus blue jacket

It felt different Wednesday morning in the Blue Jackets locker room at the National Arena. It’s crowded for the first time since basic boot camp.

In fact, Cole Sillinger had to put a makeshift locker stall for him in the middle of the room. Despite the settings, he smiled from his ears. That’s because he just practiced with his teammates.

Silinger is not alone. In addition to the expected skater, he joined Erik Gudbranson and Sean Monahan. For Monahan, this is the first time he has practiced in a major group since the injury he suffered in Pittsburgh.

After the practice, all three of them addressed the media on Wednesday. Head coach Dean Evason admits they will all be close to returning. He said this is a possibility this week. However, none of these three will face the Florida Panthers Thursday night.

The Blue Jackets played back-to-back second half in Pittsburgh on Friday night. Now all of this is considered everyday, so there are at least one or more opportunities to play there. If that is not the case, the team goes home, practices on Sunday, and sets out to New York to play the islander. It was only a matter of time before the three of them returned to the action.

Here are some key highlights from Monahan, Gudbranson and Sillinger on Wednesday.

Monahan

“It’s been a fun. It’s definitely an exciting day,” Monahan said of returning to the ice with the team. “It’s great to be back there with the guys, and it’s great to be back with the team. The guys are working hard to come back. We have a big time of year and the guys are eager to help the team move forward.”

Monaghan was straightforward when asked about his feeling on the ice.

“It feels great,” Monaghan said with a smile.

As far as timelines are concerned, it is in the hands of trainers. Monahan can’t wait to get back to the team in the playoff chase.

“I want to come back soon. As a player, it’s by no means fun when you sit in the crowd and watch it. The days are long and you want to compete with the guys. I think it’s an important thing for our team. It’s really fun to be a part. So I look forward to coming back and trying to help the team.”

Monahan also has confidence that although he admits he needs to play in the game, he will be able to do everything he usually does in the game.

“I’m not sure, honestly,” Monahan said of his ability to standoff, etc. I think I’ll see it while playing the game. I feel like I should be able to do everything I have to do. I’ll see where I’m. But yes, I feel good. Once I got the green light, I was sure I would be there. ”

Monahan also admitted that he thought his absence would be much shorter than before.

“I don’t know to be honest. After that, I got the x-ray and it didn’t break, so I thought I was fine. But unfortunately, I tried to get out there and it didn’t work and tried it slowly. It just felt wrong. Unfortunately. Unfortunately, I’m back now and hopefully I can play soon.”

Goodbrandson

As of Wednesday, Goodbranson publicly admitted that he wasn’t ready to return. But it is indeed said quickly.

“They just hope it’s totally great,” Goodbranson said.

This is Goodbranson’s third shoulder surgery in his career. He said it was different from others. He also said that recovery is different.

Goodbranson will keep it simple when he returns.

“I’m not going to overthink. I’ve been doing it for a long time. I have a good evaluation of where the game is, starting with it very simple.

In recovery, Gudbranson said he had to do things in stages this time.

“It’s a gradual gradual. There are more stages. At some point, I absolutely won’t allow me to do something, and then well, now you can do that. We can try it and slowly add it up. We have a great team here and a great medical department. With this surgery, I certainly know their decision is theirs. We’re just ready in it.”

Silinger

“I’ve been nearly three weeks now. You obviously have to work hard to get healthy and get back on the roster. I have confidence that once I’m ready, I can come back and I can stand out in the game and even I have gear in the game. I’m so grateful for the chance to play hockey again this year.”

Sillinger opened up the feeling of missing out on the stadium series.

“It’s awful. It’s my first outdoor game. It was originally my career (first). But most importantly, these guys have had a huge win there. It could be worse for me. The goal here is to make more sense than that outdoor game. So I’m so glad to have the chance.”

Sillinger said he would not rush to back down. He wanted to make sure he was ready.

“When you feel good, you don’t want to rush into anything. When I’m ready, I don’t think of anything that’s going on in my body. I’ll be able to play there and play hard in the game. Obviously, you don’t want to be too long.