General manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Anisimov (triceps) could be cleared to play next week, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Anisimov (triceps) could be cleared to play next week, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

Anisimov has been sidelined since late November with the injury. He's been limited to skating on his own to this point, but Kekalainen's words suggest he could be close to rejoining the team for a full-contact practice. Once that happens, the Blue Jackets will likely have a better inkling of a possible return date for the center.