Gaunce scored a goal in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce's second-period tally tied the game at 2-2. The 28-year-old forward has played in just four of the Blue Jackets' 12 games in March, and his goal Friday snapped a seven-game drought. The Ontario native has six points, 23 shots on net, 23 hits and an even plus-minus rating in 15 contests, exclusively in a fourth-line role.

Gaunce (upper body) will participate in Monday's game versus Toronto, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch adds.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce has missed the last two games while dealing with an upper-body injury that he suffered in a 4-3 victory over New Jersey on Tuesday. The 27-year-old has tallied five points over 11 games this season. Emil Bemstrom is expected to see a reduction in minutes upon Gaunce's return, Hedger adds.

Gaunce (upper body) will not participate in Saturday's game versus Boston.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce will miss a second consecutive game while dealing with an upper-body injury. The 27-year-old's last NHL point was a goal in a 4-3 victory over Toronto on Feb 22.

Gaunce (upper body) is not expected to participate in Friday's game against Los Angeles. per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce will set his sights on returning for Saturday's game against Boston. The 27-year-old has averaged 8:10 of ice time and logged five points over 11 appearances this season.

Gaunce (upper body) didn't return to Tuesday's game versus the Devils after receiving a hit in the first period, Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce was hit by Jonas Siegenthaler early in the game, though he returned to finish the first period. The Blue Jackets' forward didn't come back for the second, and there was no update on his status after the game. If Gaunce can't play Friday versus the Kings, Yegor Chinakhov figures to rejoin the lineup.

Gaunce racked up a goal and two assists in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce came into this one with just 17 points in 123 career NHL appearances, but he delivered the first three-point performance at the top level. The 27-year-old forward assisted on Dean Kukan's second-period marker for his first helper of the season, then added his second goal in six games with the Blue Jackets. Gaunce completed the three-point night by helping Justin Danforth cap the scoring with four seconds remaining.

Gaunce was recalled from AHL Cleveland on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

With Alexandre Texier (finger) and Eric Robinson (knee) going on injured reserve, Gaunce should be in the mix for a spot in the lineup against the Capitals on Tuesday. If he does play, it will be the Ontario native's first NHL action since 2019-20 when he made one appearance for the Bruins. As such, Gaunce figures to be a low-end fantasy option and will no doubt return to the minors once the Jackets get healthy.

Gaunce was placed on waivers Monday in order to assign him to AHL Cleveland, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce has played in just four NHL games since the start of the 2018-19 season, so fantasy players shouldn't be banking on him offering much in the way of production this year. Even when he was a more prominent roster player with Vancouver, the Ontario native struggled to generate points and should be considered a low-end fantasy target.

Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract with Columbus on Friday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce spent the 2020-21 campaign playing overseas with Vaxjo HC in Sweden for which he tallied five goals and seven helpers in 18 contests. The Ontario native added another seven points in 12 playoffs contests. Selected by the Cancuks with the 26th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, Gaunce has played in just 118 NHL contests and likely will continue to split his time between the NHL and AHL this year.

Gaunce will not be extended a qualifying offer from Boston, freelance hockey writer Mark Divver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaunce saw action in just one NHL game this past year in which he notched one assist, two PIM and zero shots while averaging 9:10 of ice time. The Ontario native will likely have to settle for a two-way deal and should anticipate spending some time in the minors during the 2020-21 campaign.