Blue Jackets Get Key Players Back for Flyers Matchup

Mateychuk and Wood return from injuries as Columbus looks to gain ground in Metro Division

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will get defenseman Denton Mateychuk and forward Miles Wood back from injuries as they host the Philadelphia Flyers in a key Metropolitan Division matchup. Mateychuk missed six games with an upper-body injury, while Wood was out for 12 games with a lower-body issue. The Blue Jackets trail the Flyers by two points in the standings after 51 games.

Why it matters

The returns of Mateychuk and Wood are a boost for the Blue Jackets as they look to gain ground on the Flyers in the tight Metropolitan Division race. Mateychuk has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity and work ethic, while Wood provides valuable depth and experience up front.

The details

Mateychuk sustained his injury when he was driven into the boards from behind by Utah Mammoth forward Brandon Tanev in the Jackets' 3-2 win on January 11. Wood has dealt with various injuries this season, including missing five games early on after taking a stick blade to one of his eyes against the New Jersey Devils. The Flyers will also get goaltender Dan Vladar back from a lower-body injury to start against Columbus.

  • Mateychuk missed six games with his injury.
  • Wood missed 12 games with his lower-body injury, which occurred on December 31 against the New Jersey Devils.
  • The Blue Jackets and Flyers will face off on January 28 at Nationwide Arena.

The players

Denton Mateychuk

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who sustained an upper-body injury prior to Rick Bowness taking over as head coach. Bowness has been impressed with Mateychuk's maturity, work ethic, and ability to connect with his teammates.

Miles Wood

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who has dealt with various injuries over the past couple of years, including a lower-body issue that cost him 12 games this season. Wood is eager to get back on the ice and stay healthy for the remainder of the year.

Dan Vladar

The starting goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers, who is returning from a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“I've watched him on TV a little bit. All the great things I hear about him, and just watching him around the locker room, watching the interactions with all the players and the respect that's there already... he gets along with everyone and everything he does, he's 'all in,' in the workouts, practices and meetings. I watch him in the meetings and he's dialed in, and I love that.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets (Yahoo Sports)

“The last couple years certainly have been frustrating. I guess it comes with the territory playing hockey and with age, but we have a great training staff and I can't wait to get back out there with the guys. Hopefully, I can stay healthy the rest of the year.”

— Miles Wood (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to gain ground on the Flyers in the Metropolitan Division standings with a win on January 28.

The takeaway

The returns of Mateychuk and Wood provide a much-needed boost for the Blue Jackets as they battle for playoff positioning in the tight Metropolitan Division race. Their presence should help Columbus close the gap on the Flyers and potentially make a push for the postseason.