65 Markus Nutivaara D

Blue Jackets' Markus Nutivaara: Back at practice Thursday

Nutivaara will presumably take his place among the pairings in the evening's contest after missing Tuesday due to a bug. The third-year blueliner hasn't been able to match the 23 points over 61 games he recorded during his sophomore season, owning just 17 through 71 games. Either way, he doesn't produce enough offensively to warrant fantasy consideration in the vast majority of leagues.

Blue Jackets' Markus Nutivaara: Under the weather Tuesday

Nutivaara was a late scratch as his ailment wasn't announced until after warmups. The Finnish blueliner has just two assists over his last 26 outings. Dean Kukan will replace him during his absence.

Blue Jackets' Markus Nutivaara: Stuck in scoring drought

The rearguard has yet to play more than 66 games in a season, but Nutivaara has been able to stay healthy and should easily top that in 2018-19. The rest of his numbers have taken a step backwards, however, and with Ryan Murray enjoying the best season of his career, Nutivaara has slipped down the depth chart and now finds himself on the Jackets' third pairing, Barring an injury to one of Columbus' bigger names on the blue line, don't expect his fantasy value to change much down the stretch.

Blue Jackets' Markus Nutivaara: Notches helper Saturday

Nutivaara's helper on Cam Atkinson's first-period goal one minute into the game snapped an 11-game scoring drought for the Finnish defender. With four goals and 13 points in 43 games, the 24-year-old will likely return to the third defense pairing once Ryan Murray (illness) returns to the lineup and has very limited fantasy value.

Blue Jackets' Markus Nutivaara: Slated to return Friday

While Nutivaara skipped Wednesday's practice due to being a bit banged up, he doesn't appear to be in any danger of missing Friday's contest. The blueliner is slated to pair with Ryan Murray and will look to add to his 13 points through 39 games this season.