The Blue Jackets (31-29-9) have lost six straight games (0-5-1) and have fallen four points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference, with the Rangers and Islanders ahead of them. The Islanders (32-28-9) are 3-0-2 in their past five and are two points behind the Canadiens and one behind the Rangers.

Moneypuck gives the Blue Jackets just an 8.3 percent chance of making the playoffs, which is less than the 13.8 percent chances given by BetMGM’s odds. The Ottawa Senators' recent hot stretch has left only one spot available in the East. Hence, Columbus has long odds since it currently sits 11th in the conference.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will welcome back an important offensive piece amid their playoff push, along with a key blue liner.