The Columbus Blue Jackets roster had undergone some changes of late, but there were some consistent features.
For three straight games, both forward Markus Hannikainen and Gabriel Carlsson were healthy scratches. And with Carlsson just 20 years old, it didn't make much sense for him to continue to not see ice time.
That might be one of the reasons for Sunday's moves, with two players including Carlsson heading to AHL Cleveland and two others returning. Winger Jordan Schroeder will accompany Carlsson to the Monsters, while winger Sonny Milano and defenseman Cameron Gaunce will return.
Milano, 21, has recorded five goals and five assists for 10 points in 25 games with the Blue Jackets this season. He has added 0-2-2 in four contests with Cleveland.
Gaunce would make his Columbus debut if he sees the ice. He has posted a 0-5-5 line with 27 penalty minutes and an “even” plus/minus rating in 20 contests with the Monsters this season. He has two goals and three assists in 32 career NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche since making his debut in 2010-11.
Schroeder, 27, has registered two penalty minutes in eight games with the Blue Jackets and has added 2-5-7 with six penalty minutes in 13 games with the Monsters this season. Carlsson has recorded 0-1-1 and two penalty minutes in 10 games with the Blue Jackets and has skated in five games with the Monsters this season.
While the move likely will allow Carlsson the chance to play more, especially with the recent strong play of Scott Harrington and the seemingly impending return of Ryan Murray, up front it could signal the Jackets looking for some more offensive thrust. Schroeder played the past two games with Lukas Sedlak and Tyler Motte and had just 5:51 of action in Thursday's win vs. the Islanders and 6:45 in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Carolina.
Where Milano might slot into the lineup remains to be seen.
