Savard (back) skated by himself before practice Monday, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rearguard still doesn't have a timetable for a return after recently being diagnosed with back spasms that will keep him out indefinitely, but the fact that he's mobile enough to hit the ice is an encouraging development. As it stands, Savard has missed six of the team's last seven games, the first three of which were for "undisclosed" reasons that could very well have been the same back issues he's currently experiencing.

Savard is out indefinitely due to back spasms, Tom Reed of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back spasms are tricky to overcome, and the Blue Jackets are planning on taking a cautious approach with Savard's recovery, so there's no telling when the 26-year-old blueliner might be ready to return game action at this juncture. The 2009 fourth-round pick has developed into a rock-solid shutdown defender for Columbus this season, skating to an impressive plus-19 rating over 45 games, and has also chipped in offensively with 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) over that span, making him a decent bench option in deeper leagues. A more definitive timetable for Savard's return to the lineup should be established once he's able to return to practice.

Savard (undisclosed) is designated as an injured player, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

The oft-injured blueliner has been held out out of four of the past five games, and the Blue Jackets remain mum about the nature of his latest ailment. Consider the talented passer day-to-day ahead of Friday's road tilt against the Penguins.

Savard (undisclosed) is back in the lineup for Thursday night's game in Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Savard reclaims his spot in the lineup after a three-game absence. While Zach Werenski and Seth Jones are known as the scorers on the Columbus blue line, Savard is more known for holding it down defensively, as his 72 blocked shots and plus-20 rating on the season will attest to.

Savard (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Thursday night's game in Nashville, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

While it would be great to see Savard suit back up after a three-game absence, this is the Blue Jackets' last game before the All-Star break, so it's also entirely possible that Savard sits with the assumption being that he'll be totally ready once play resumes on Tuesday. If the Quebec native does go Thursday though, he's projected to play on a defensive pairing with Jack Johnson.

Savard (undisclosed) isn't expected to play Tuesday against the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Savard will miss a third consecutive game Tuesday, and remains without a clear-cut timetable for his return to Columbus' lineup. The 26-year-old blueliner has played pretty well this season, notching 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) while maintaining a superb plus-20 rating over 44 games, making him a solid depth option in deeper fantasy leagues. Scott Harrington and Dalton Prout will continue to fill in for Savard while he remains sidelined.

Savard (undisclosed) will not suit up for Sunday's game in Ottawa, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

This marks the second game in a row that Savard will miss due to his mystery ailment. The 26-year-old isn't much of a scoring threat anyway, but does provide excellence in the plus-minus department with a sparkling plus-20 rating to this point. Dalton Prout and Scott Harrington will continue to see playing during Savard's absence.

Savard (undisclosed) is projected to be an injured scratch when the Blue Jackets play host to the Hurricanes on Saturday, per Craig Merz of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

The oft-injured blueliner sustained this latest ailment in Thursday's game against the Senators, causing him to leave early in the third period. Assuming he misses this next contest, Savard won't have to wait long to be reevaluated as the Blue Jackets go right back to work Sunday for a road contest facing the Senators. He's day-to-day.

Savard picked up a goal in the 2-1 overtime victory against the Flyers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It was his first point in nine games and first goal since Nov. 4. With a plus-22 rating, the shutdown defenseman has one of the best plus/minuses in the NHL, but he doesn't usually supply much in the scoring department. Savard has two goals and 11 points in 39 games. He once scored 11 goals in one season, but he has just 12 goals over the other five seasons of his career.

Savard registered an assist, three shots on net, a minor penalty and a plus-2 rating during Friday's win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Savard is quietly having an excellent fantasy stretch with five assists, 22 shots, 18 blocked shots, eight PIM, 15 hits and a plus-12 rating through his past 10 games. Columbus continues to be a league juggernaut, and Savard's cross-category production plays in deep seasonal leagues. Just beware that his lack of power-play time (just 15 second per game) limits his offensive upside.