The Columbus Blue Jackets are adding some forward depth to their lineup for the Stadium Series tomorrow. Columbus announced they’ve recalled Mikael Pyyhtiä from their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.
Based on their lineup from the first home-and-home matchup against the Detroit Red Wings last night, Pyyhtiä will likely take Joseph Labate’s right-wing spot on the fourth line. Pyyhtiä has more NHL experience in comparison, and the Blue Jackets will likely reward him by allowing him to participate in the first outdoor game of his career.
Although he’s been taxied back to AHL Cleveland a few times this year, Pyyhtiä has primarily played in Columbus. The Turku, Finland native has scored four goals and three assists in 46 games for the Blue Jackets, with another one goal and five assists in 10 AHL contests.
While his offensive production doesn’t jump off the page, Pyyhtiä’s value to Columbus’s forward core comes from his play on the defensive side of the puck. He’s sixth among Blue Jackets’ forwards (with at least 30 GP) with a 90.0% team on-ice save percentage, and in defensive zone starts with a rate of 56.9%.
He has remained consistent in his ability to block shots and has become a more physical player this season. Like many 23-year-old players in the NHL, Pyyhtiä has some flaws in his game to work out, particularly on offense, but he’s proven beneficial to the bottom of the Blue Jackets’ forward core this year.