Scott Hartnell has been dealing with an arm/shoulder injury which will keep him out of Thursday night's contest against the Wild, despite skating in practice earlier Thursday morning, Aaron Porzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Hartnell has been dealing with an "arm/shoulder injury" that will keep him out of Thursday night's contest against the Wild, despite skating in practice earlier Thursday morning, Aaron Porzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

Hartnell apparently sustained the injury in Monday's practice, but Columbus head coach Todd Richards downplayed the severity of the issue. "Just a precaution," Richards said. "Nothing more." When healthy, Hartnell can stuff the box score with plenty of goals, assists and PIMs. Last year he had 28 goals, 32 assists and 100 minutes in the penalty box. Expect more of the same in the upcoming campaign.