Coach Todd Richards said that while Connauton (foot) has been ruled out from playing Friday against the Devils, he could be ready to go for Saturday's game against the Avalanche.

Coach Todd Richards said that while Connauton (foot) has been ruled out from playing Friday against the Devils, he could be ready to go for Saturday's game against the Avalanche.

Analysis:

Connauton will sit out his fifth straight game Friday. The blueliner returned to the ice for practice Thursday, but probably needs at least one more session with the team before the coaching and training staff sign off on his placement in the lineup. Since Saturday's game will be the second in as many days for the Blue Jackets, it's likely the team will bypass a morning skate and not announce a verdict on Connauton's status for the contest until pregame warmups.