Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan (undisclosed) will miss a second straight game on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. He was an unexpected scratch on Monday against the Ottawa Senators and still appears to be dealing with a health issue that prevents him from playing. The veteran has been banged up all season, so it isn't surprising that he is taking some time off. Monahan's ongoing health issues have affected his performance, limiting him to just 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 37 games. On Monday, Cole Sillinger was promoted from the fourth line to the top six and contributed two assists in a 4-1 victory. Sillinger is projected to remain as the second-line center on Wednesday, enhancing his fantasy appeal.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (lower body) will remain out for a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday versus the New Jersey Devils. Werenski's big campaign has been disrupted by a lower-body injury. However, Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evason said Werenski could be ready to return on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. As a result of Werenski's absence, Dante Fabbro's playing time has significantly increased, as he has joined Ivan Provorov on the first defensive pairing. Meanwhile, Denton Mateychuk has taken Werenski's place on the top power-play unit, recording a goal and two assists in the last three games.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (hand) is questionable to play on New Year's Eve against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He missed the end of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after being slashed on the hand in the final minute. Hamilton has been among the biggest fantasy disappointments in 2025-26, settling for eight points (four goals, four assists) in 35 appearances. Tuesday's game marked his 16th consecutive outing without any points. Dennis Cholowski is expected to step in for Hamilton on Wednesday if necessary, though he offers no fantasy value.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (illness) is expected to sit out a second consecutive game on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The punishing blue-liner is battling an illness and missed Tuesday's practice. Gudas averages close to 3.5 hits per game and has produced eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 27 outings this season. With Gudas out, Pavel Mintyukov made a scoring return to the lineup on Monday night versus the San Jose Sharks. Compared to Gudas, Mintyukov has more offensive upside and has lit the lamp three times in his past seven appearances. Anaheim is also expected to remain without forward Frank Vatrano (upper body) on Wednesday.