Blue Jackets' Sam Gagner: Resurgence tied to shift to center

Gagner may remain at center even after Lukas Sedlak returns from an oblique strain, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

Sedlak's injury forced Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella to shift Gagner to his natural center position rather than play the wing at even strength, and the result has been three goals and nine points in the last nine games. The 27-year-old's two assists Saturday established a new career high for him with 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) on the season, and Gagner's shown excellent chemistry with rookie Oliver Bjorkstrand since the latest line juggle from Torts. Sedlak is the team's best faceoff man, so he should suit up again as soon as he's healthy, but if Gagner keeps producing he'll be hard to dislodge from his current spot.