Three players assigned to Monsters

The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned Matiss Kivlenieks, Andrew Peeke, and Jakob Lilja to the Cleveland Monsters.

Some familiar faces are making a return to the Cleveland Monsters. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, defenseman Andrew Peeke, and left winger Jakob Lilja.

The return of Matiss Kivlenieks provides a bit more clarity when it comes to who will start in net over their next four games. Four games in seven days would have been a tough ask for Veini Vehvilainen. Kivlenieks can easily come in and split goaltending duties over their next four games at home before their tough road trip next week. The impending return of Joonas Korpisalo may have made this move possible. Korpisalo seems to be returning sooner rather than later allowing this move to happen.

Defenseman Andrew Peeke returns after being called up to Columbus on February 1st. Peeke did not appear in any games for the Blue Jackets during this recent stint with Columbus. Peeke has 16 points (5 goals, 11 assists) in 28 games with Cleveland this season.

Jakob Lilja returns to the Monsters after spending 27 games in Columbus. The 26-year old left winger totaled 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) while with the Blue Jackets. Lilja did appear in 18 games for Monsters prior to being recalled and had 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists).

With Matiss Kivlenieks, Andrew Peeke, and Jakob Lilja in the mix, Cleveland head coach Mike Eaves will have plenty options available to him as they begin a crucial stretch of games.