Blue Jackets At Blues Morning Open Thread: Like They Never Left

Nathan Horton was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer after spending three years and winning a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins. He missed three months with shoulder issues, and finally made his debut Thursday night. He only had one shot on net against the Phoenix Coyotes - which he scored on.

So, welcome to the Blue Jackets, Rick Nash notable name replacement! Please work out better than Marian Gaborik.

The Blues have their own player coming back from injured reserve. Jordan Leopold has been out since November 7, when he damaged tendons in his hand during a two-assist night. He was activated off of the IR Thursday night, and with his re-addition to the line-up comes a very un-enviable decision for Ken Hitchcock. Both Carlo Colaiacovo and Ian Cole have been playing outstanding hockey in Leopold's absence, with Cole in particular raising his game significantly. One of those two will have to sit.

And it's dead... RT @andystrickland: Sources with #USAHockey say they won't allow that type of access to reporters again

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) January 3, 2014

Of course, when Roman Polak comes back, both of those two will have to sit.

To make room for Leopold, the Blues placed Adam Cracknell on waivers. With the return of Ryan Reaves on Thursday night, either he or Chris Porter would be the odd man out. Cracknell started the season with the Blues while Porter was a later call-up, but Porter gets to stay.

Elliott is in net tonight again.

This is your morning open thread. While you're waiting on some Lighting the Lamp and a preview, head over to The Cannon and say hi.