News:Rostislav Klesla notched four assists in Thursday's win over the Preds, his first career four-point game.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla had been scoreless in his last seven outings and had just three points on the year, so he's about the last guy you'd expect to blow up for a huge game. Any given Thursday, eh?
News:Rostislav Klesla picked up his first goal of the season in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Wild.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla has two points in 11 games this season.
News:Rostislav Klesla picked up his first point Saturday since returning to the Coyotes from a lower body injury Feb. 9.
Analysis: The assist also marks Rostislav Klesla's first point of the season through six games.
News:Rostislav Klesla returned Saturday from a lower body injury as the Coyotes downed the Sharks 1-0 in a shootout.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla skated for 18:56 in the win and recorded three shots on goal in 26 shifts.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) was not a scratch for Saturday's game against the Sharks.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla has not played since Jan. 20 and will replace Chris Summers in the lineup.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) will not play in Thursday's game against the Blackhawks, the Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla hasn't played since Jan. 20, but his questionable status Thursday hints at an upcoming return to action. The Coyotes will have Friday off before facing the Sharks on Saturday.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) is questionable to return for Thursday's tilt against the Blackhawks, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla has been on injured reserve since Jan. 24 but has been skating since Sunday. His return would be a huge boost for a blue line that's been hit hard by injuries lately.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) skated Monday but is not ready to return yet, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla has been on injured reserve since Jan. 24.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) will not play Saturday against the Kings, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla is reportedly getting closer to a return. His next shot to play is Jan. 28 against Nashville.
News:Rostislav Klesla (lower body) was able to skate Friday, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla was able to skate Wednesday, but he didn't play against Columbus and was moved to IR a day later. While he'll definitely miss the next three games, Klesla's ability to skate with the lower body injury indicates he won't be out for an extended period.
News: The Coyotes have moved Rostislav Klesla (lower body) to injured reserve, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, the Coyotes recalled David Rundblad from the AHL to fill Rostislav Klesla's spot. McLellan notes that coach Dave Tippett sounded optimistic about Klesla's status Wednesday and said the move is most likely precautionary.
News:Rostislav Klesla will not play Wednesday against the Blue Jackets, Sarah McLellan of AZCentral.com reports.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla missed Tuesday's practice for unknown reasons, but he was able to skate Wednesday morning. He won't play against Columbus, but it doesn't sound like Klesla's dealing with any sort of serious ailment.
News:Rostislav Kleslav has earned a one-game suspension for his hit from behind on Matt Halischuk, Kevin Allen of USA TODAY reports.
Analysis: The veteran has been a key part of the Coyotes' defense in what some would consider a surprise playoff run, logging 19 minutes of ice time per game. It remains to be seen how the Coyotes will account for his absence in Game 5.
News:Rostislav Klesla will have a disciplinary hearing by phone Sunday for his hit from behind on Matt Halischuk of the Predators in Game 4 on Friday, according to TSN.ca.
Analysis: He did receive a two-minute penalty on the play and a phone hearing almost invariably results in just a fine or a relatively small suspension. Halischuk was chasing the puck toward the side boards near the Yotes bench when Rostislav Klesla pushed him from behind, causing the young Pred to smash awkwardly into the boards.
News:Rostislav Klesla had a goal and an assist Friday night to help Phoenix defeat Nashville 4-3 in overtime in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Analysis: He had been held pointless in three straight playoff games entering Friday night's match. Through eight playoff games, Rostislav Klesla has two goals, four assists, and is a plus-1.
News:Rostislav Klesla took a stick to the face early in the first period of Monday's Game 6. While he missed the remainder of the period, he did return to the ice.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla's eye appeared to be swollen almost completely shut behind a full face shield. He skated for 9:09 with four hits and two blocked shots and is a key piece of the Coyotes' blue line scheme. They'll need him healthy if they expect to make a run at the Preds.
News:Rostislav Klesla (upper body) returned to the ice for the Coyotes on Saturday, skating for 18:12 in the team's 3-0 win over San Jose.
Analysis: The Coyotes desperately missed Rostislav Klesla and he made his presence felt with five blocked shots. He also added two shots on goal and four hits. If you happen to need him, he should be fine going forward.
News:Rostislav Klesla (upper body) "has a chance" to play Saturday, coach Dave Tippett told the Arizona Republic.
Analysis: The Coyotes would be delighted to get Rostislav Klesla back after the blueliner missed the team's last 10 games. The makeshift blue line missing both Klesla and Derek Morris worked while Mike Smith played lights out, but it's faltered some down the stretch. Klesla's return would go a long way toward tightening up the defensive zone.
News:Rostislav Klesla skated at practice Monday after suffering an upper-body injury Feb. 16 against the Kings, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic reports.
Analysis: There's still no timetable for Rostislav Klesla's potential return and the Coyotes have done well in his absence with Michael Stone and Chris Summers, but he's a key piece of Phoenix's defensive scheme and his presence would buoy an already-solid blue line as the playoff push continues.
News:Rostislav Klesla (upper-body) won't join the Coyotes on the team's two-game Alberta road trip that begins Thursday, the Tuscon Citizen reports.
Analysis: You'd need to be digging deep to roster Kesla, who has 11 points and 25 PIMs in 51 games to date.
News:Rostislav Klesla missed Saturday's game against the Stars due to an upper body injury he sustained in a game against the Kings on Thursday, according to the Star Telegram.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla was leveled by a high, open-ice hit by Los Angeles' Dustin Brown in the first period on Thursday and didn't return to the game. He is considered day-to-day right now.
News:Rostislav Klesla got level by a high (but clean) open-ice hit by the Kings' Dustin Brown in the first period Thursday and didn't return, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: The Coyotes' had to play short at the back for most of the game, as Rostislav Klesla played just two shifts. He's obviously questionable for the Coyotes' next tilt.
News: Kelsla tallied a goal in Phoenix's 6-1 drumming of Colorado on Monday.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla added a plus-2 rating and two shots on goal in 16:07 of ice time Monday. The goal was the blueliner's second of the season and ninth point overall.
News:Rostislav Klesla is expected to play Tuesday against the Panthers after missing seven games with a lower-body injury, reports Dave Vest of the Coyotes' official site.
Analysis:Rostislav Klesla's a prime example of someone who means much more to his team than to fantasy owners. as he's yet to find the back of the net this season. With Klesla, the Coyotes have been able to kill penalties 87.3% of the time, but that number dips to a startling 64.3% when he's off the ice.
News:Rostislav Klesla missed his third straight game Friday against the Red Wings due to a lower body injury.
Analysis: He's still looking for his first goal of the season and has just six points in his 41 games with the Coyotes dating back to last season, so we doubt too many people are pining for his return.
News:Rostislav Klesla has tallied two assists and a plus-1 rating to go along with nine sin bin minutes through eight games this season.
Analysis: Scoring hasn't been the focal point of Rostislav Klesla's career to date and so far, this season offers little reason to think that will change. Since coming to the Coyotes in a February trade, Klesla has tallied one goal and two points through 24 games.
News: Klesla (head) returned to the Phoenix lineup for Tuesday's win over Calgary.
Analysis: Klesla played 20:41 in the contest and finished a minus-1. He's safe to activate.
News: Klesla (head) skated with the team Saturday during practice and will be re-evaluated Sunday, according to the Arizona Republic.
Analysis: After Daniel Sedin clipped his head during Tuesday night's game, Klesla only took one shift during the third period and he has been suffering from dizziness since. He did not play Thursday night against Calgary and his appearance for Sunday night's game against Anaheim is questionable.
News: Klesla (face) was kept off the ice Wednesday to continue his recovery, according to the Arizona Republic.
Analysis: Klesla was caught between the eyes by a Daniel Sedin shot during Tuesday's overtime loss to the Canucks. It is uncertain if he will be available for Thursday's contest against the Flames. Klesla is a traditional defenseman who focuses his energies defending the blueline as he is a plus-11 with 11 points in 49 games.
News: Klesla left Tuesday's game against the Canucks after being hit in the face with a puck.
Analysis: Klesla was injured in the second period, briefly returned for one shift at the start of the third period, and then went to the locker room for the rest of the evening. Consider him day-to-day.
News: Klesla scored a goal in his first game as a Coyote on Tuesday night.
Analysis: The Coyotes appearently think enough of Klesla that they sent a pretty big haul to Columbus to acquire him, but it's still doubtful that he will offer much fantasy value despite his marker on Tuesday.
News: Klesla (knee) and Dane Byers have been traded by Columbus to Phoenix for Scottie Upshall and Sami Lepisto, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Klesla has been sidelined for the past month with a knee injury, but is close to returning to action. He never reached his potential in Columbus, but with Ed Jovanovksi out, he could get a chance to see some power play time alongside Keith Yandle. The bigger question is why Phoenix would take on an additional three years at $2.975 mil per year for a player who has yet to remain healthy and approach his potential.
News: Klesla (knee) made it through a full practice Thursday, Aaron Portzline of the The Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Klesla hasn't played since Jan. 22, but the Blue Jackets' co-plus/minus leader (he's plus-10) is getting close to a return.
News: Klesla (knee) took part in the first 15 minutes of Sunday's practice, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The short stint was by design, as the team is bringing him along slowly and doesn't want to risk a relapse.
Klesla Getting Close To A Return to Blue Jackets Lineup
News: Klesla (knee) has been able to skate the last two days, but he's still unable to do any quick starts and stops, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He says he's about a week away from being able to play, but Klesla has been a fairly slow healer throughout his career so that estimate could be a bit optimistic.
News: Klesla (knee) won't be ready to play Friday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He hasn't started skating yet and is likely at least a week away from returning to action. The Jackets' promotion of their top blue line prospect, John Moore, is a good indication that they don't expect Klesla back all that soon.
News: Klesla (knee) won't play Tuesday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets were hoping to get him back in the lineup after the break, but it can't be a huge surprise that the fragile Klesla is taking a bit longer to heal than expected.
News: Klesla (knee) did not skate at Monday's practice, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Klesla's absence is particularly discouraging as he has not skated since crashing into a wall Jan. 22, but was expected to be able to return following the All-Star break. Consider him questionable for Tuesday's game.
News: Klesla (knee) will not play Tuesday against Anaheim, the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis: Klesla was considered questionable, but with the All-Star break on the horizon, the Jackets opted to give Klesla some extra rest. After Tuesday's game, Columbus is off until Feb. 1.
News: Klesla (knee) didn't practice Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He's considered questionable for Tuesday's game, but with the All-Star break looming the Jackets may elect to just give Klesla the extra day to heal.
Jackets' Coach Arniel Not Worried About Klesla's Injury
News: Although the Blue Jackets have not released any information about the severity of Klesla's knee injury, coach Scott Arniel doesn't seem to think it's too serious, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: "I think he'll be all right," Arniel said. "He kind of fell awkward into the boards. He hit his face and kind of got stretched out." Klesla should be considered questionable for the Jackets' next game Tuesday until we have more concrete info, though.
News: Klesla had to be helped off the ice in the third period of Saturday's game against St. Louis with what appeared to be a knee injury, reports the Associated Press.
Analysis: He did not return. Rusty has marginal fantasy value given his propensity for injury and his lack of offensive production. He'll be missed more on the ice than in the fantasy arena.
News: Klesla (illness) returned to the Columbus lineup on Tuesday after missing the team's previous game.
Analysis: Klesla played 24:28 in the contest and took a minor penalty for hooking. He is safe to activate if needed.
News: Klelsa (illness) was able to practice Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He should be available for Tuesday's game, but unless you need his shot-blocking ability there's no reason to rush him back to your active lineup.
News: Klesla didn't play Saturday because he was sick, reports the Associated Press.
Analysis: It's flu season and many dressing rooms have been hit. He's been scuffling offensively this season and has just one point -- a goal -- in his last 10 games. But he's already played a somewhat miraculous 42 games, something he hasn't done since 2007-08. His fantasy value is limited to leagues that use blocked shots as a counting category -- he has 91 already this year.
News: Klesla was a healthy scratch Monday.
Analysis: Coach Scott Arniel continues to shuffle bodies in and out of the lineup in an effort to wake up his club. It worked Monday, as the Jackets won 4-3 in a shootout over the Wild, but Klesla should be back in action soon enough.
News: Klesla (ankle) returned to the ice Tuesday and scored a goal.
Analysis: Klesla sat out the game before, but apparently it looks like his ankle is no longer an issue after taking a couple days off. Klesla has just nine points this season, but four of them have come in his last eight games.
News: Head Coach Scott Arniel hinted that Klesla may be healthy enough to play Tuesday night, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Klesla sat out of Saturday's game after taking a slap shot to the ankle in the Blue Jackets' game against Edmonton on December 16.
News: Klesla is quietly having a great defensive season, leading the NHL with a plus-17 rating and sitting among the league leaders with 58 blocked shots, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He won't contribute much offensively (one goal and five assists so far) but in fantasy leagues with expanded category sets he could be a cheap asset, and he's certainly making owners of the Blue Jackets' goaltenders a little happier.
Columbus' Klesla Healthy After Season-Ending Injuries in 2009
News: Klesla is finally back to full health after suffering torn stomach and groin muscles and a torn labrum in his lip, the Washington Post reports.
Analysis: Klesla turned in a solid preseason for the Blue Jackets and put to rest concerns that he may be suffering from any lingering effects of last season's injuries.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (leg) has been ruled out until after the Olympic break.
Analysis: Klesla was limited to just 34 games last season thanks to injuries and healthy scratches, and he's managed just eight points in 26 games this campaign. Maybe he's been hanging out a little too much with oft-injured teammate Fredrik Modin. Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy option in super-deep leagues when healthy.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla skated Tuesday for the first time since suffering groin and abdominal tears in late November.
Analysis: Klesla is more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy, but does have value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. He should continue to be benched in deeper formats until he is able to return.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that D Rostislav Klesla (groin) is skating again, but isn't expected to return to action until early February.
Analysis: Klesla was injured a ton last season, and will miss probably two months of this campaign. He remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy, but does have value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. He should obviously be benched in all formats until he is able to return.
News: The Blue Jackets have placed Rostislav Klesla on injured reserve after the defenseman sustained a lower body injury in a game against St. Louis. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced the move on Tuesday. Klesla was injured in a mid-ice collision with the Blues' Barret Jackman during the first period of the Blue Jackets' 5-2 victory Monday night. He is believed to have torn a groin muscle and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. Klesla lay on the ice for 5 minutes and did not put any weight on his left leg when he was helped off. Columbus brought up defenseman Mathieu Roy from the team's AHL affiliate in Syracuse to replace Klesla.
Analysis: The injury comes at a bad time for Klesla, who has three assists in his last six games. The last thing he wants to deal with is another injury after playing just 34 games last season due to various ailments. Klesla remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. He should obviously be benched in all formats until he is able to return.
News: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla was injured in a mid-ice collision with the St. Louis Blues' Barret Jackman on Monday night. Klesla lay on the ice for 5 minutes and was attended to by trainers before a doctor was led across the ice to examine him. Klesla was face down on the ice before being helped off, not putting any weight on his left leg. Klesla was just inside the St. Louis zone when he reached up to collect a puck about 2:30 into the game. As he turned to play the puck, he was hit from behind by Jackman and fell awkwardly. Klesla's left knee was pinned against the boards as he went down. Klesla had no points in 6:08 of ice time. Coach Ken Hitchcock did not disclose the nature of the injury after the game. "He's getting a MRI in the morning," Hitchcock said. "That's all we know right now. We're hoping for the best."
Analysis: The injury comes at a bad time for Klesla, who has three assists in his last six games. The last thing he wants to deal with is another injury after playing just 34 games last season due to various ailments. Klesla remains more of a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla has four points in his first five games this season. Klesla's career high is 22 points in a season.
Analysis: With his poor offensive history, we doubt Klesla will be able to keep anything close to this pace up, but you never know. Follow him in deeper formats over the next couple of weeks.
News:Kristian Huselius, Rostislav Klesla and Nikita Filatov scored over a 3:44 span early in the second period to chase star Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo and lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 5-3 victory against the Canucks on Monday night. Huselius broke a tie 2:07 into the second period, and Klesla and Filatov broke the game open and ended Luongo's night early with goals 22 seconds apart. Huselius used Nash as a decoy off the rush and blew a wrist shot past Luongo's glove, Klesla scored on a wrist shot through traffic at 5:29, and Filatov finished a 3-on-2 with a shot through Luongo's legs on the next shift.
Analysis: Klesla added an assist Monday and now has three points in two games. He also scored in Saturday's opener against the Wild. It's great to see Klesla off to a fast start after injuries limited him to 34 games in 2008-09. However, he has never managed more than nine goals in a season. Columbus wants more production from their blue line, but we just aren't sure Klesla will continue with this great production. He remains more of a low-end Fantasy option. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla scored the game-winning goal on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Minnesota. The goal came 10:10 into the third period on a slap shot, beating Minnesota G Niklas Backstrom.
Analysis: The 27-year-old Klesla was the club's first draft pick, taken fourth overall in the first round of the 2000 entry draft - before the Blue Jackets had ever played an NHL game. He signed a four-year extension just before the start of the season and is off to a good start to the season with a game-winner. However, Klesla is just a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Just before the start of their ninth season opener, the Blue Jackets locked up the only player who has been with them from the beginning. Defenseman Rostislav Klesla signed a four-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season. General manager Scott Howson announced the signing Saturday just before the franchise's ninth season opener against Minnesota.
Analysis: The 27-year-old Klesla was the club's first draft pick, taken fourth overall in the first round of the 2000 entry draft - before the Blue Jackets had ever played an NHL game. He has 36 goals and 79 assists in 444 career games with the Blue Jackets. Klesla is just a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (hip) was able to play during Sunday's preseason game against the Predators. He had an assist and two penalty minutes in 17:38 of ice time.
Analysis: It's troubling to see Klesla deal with an injury in the preseason after he couldn't stay healthy in 2008-09. He played for just 34 games due to various injuries, racking up nine points in the process. If healthy, Klesla will be a regular contributor to the Columbus blue line. However, he still has just low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla, D Marc Methot, D Fedor Tyutin and C R.J. Umberger all missed Tuesday's preseason win over the Bruins with hip flexor strains.
Analysis: Tyutin has the most Fantasy value of this group after he put up a career-high 34 points last season. Consider him a nice option in deeper formats. Method and Klesla also have good offensive sides to their games, but are just low-end bench options in super-deep formats heading into 2009-10. Umberger is capable of putting up 40-50 points, which makes him just a low-end Fantasy forward in deeper formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Blue Jackets have one glaring need they didn't address this summer -- acquiring an offensive defenseman who can open up their blue line and breathe a little life into their power play. And while there's still plenty of time to add such a player, GM Scott Howson insists that he'll start training camp, and even the regular season, with the same top six defensemen as last season -- Mike Commodore, Jan Hejda, Rostislav Klesla, Fedor Tyutin, Kris Russell and Marc Methot. "It's a good group," Howson said. "We're very difficult to play against on that end of the ice, but we'd like to add more skill. We'd like to spend less time in our own zone and more time being dangerous with the puck."
Analysis: Other than Russell, the group has very little skill beyond making first passes out of the defensive zone and making opponents pay when they battle for the puck in the corners. Howson offered left winger Jason Chimera to San Jose this summer, a trade that would have brought defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to the Blue Jackets. So far, the Sharks have declined. Tyutin was the team's most productive blueliner in terms of points with 34. He also led the defense with nine goals. Commodore was second with 24 points, while Hejda and Russell had 21 points. None of the Blue Jackets defensemen are going to be high-end Fantasy options Draft Day, but they definitely can help as low-end fliers in deeper formats.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla was able to return to the lineup for the team's season finale against the Wild on Saturday. He failed to record an offensive stat in the game but did take two shots on goal.
Analysis: Klesla should be good to go for Columbus' first playoff run in its history. However, Klesla will retain his low-end Fantasy value heading into the 2009-2010 season.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (oblique) was held out Friday against the Blues. He has missed the last six games and remains questionable for Saturday's season finale against the Wild.
Analysis: Injuries have been the story of Klesla's 2008-09 season. He hasn't been around long enough to be productive and it has severely altered his Fantasy value. Klesla is going to have very low-end Fantasy appeal heading into 2009-10.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla missed his fifth game Wednesday against the Blackhawks with a strained oblique muscle. He remains questionable for Friday against the Blues.
Analysis: Klesla has been out because of foot, shoulder and head injuries this season, and now we can add oblique strain to the list. It has been a disappointing season for Klesla because of injuries and he is going to have very low-end Fantasy appeal heading into 2009-10.
News: Columbus was without D Rostislav Klesla on Saturday against the Predators. He's expected to miss at least one more game because of an oblique injury. He could return on Wednesday at Chicago.
Analysis: Klesla has been out because of foot, shoulder and head injuries this season. He played the first 11 games of the season but hasn't matched that figure since. It has been a disappointing season for Klesla because of injuries and he is not a recommended start for the upcoming scoring period.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Rostislav Klesla's run of bad luck and bad health continued this weekend. The Blue Jackets defenseman hasn't played in more than 11 straight games at any point this season and is out of the lineup -- again -- with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: The club won't say what his injury is or how long he might miss, but he missed most of the third period during Saturday's 4-3 shootout loss to St. Louis. He also missed Sunday's game vs. St. Louis and has already been scratched for Tuesday's home game against Nashville. Klesla has been out because of foot, shoulder and head injuries this season. He played the first 11 games of the season but hasn't matched that figure since. It has been a disappointing season for Klesla because of injuries and he is not a recommended start heading into Week 26 (March 30-April 5).
News: The Blue Jackets activated D Rostislav Klesla, who has been out since early February with a shoulder injury, Thursday, but he didn't play in the game against the Predators.
Analysis: Klesla has been on injured reserve plenty this season, but despite being a healthy scratch Thursday, he should eventually get back in the rotation. He is merely a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets placed defenseman Rostislav Klesla on injured reserve Thursday and activated forward Jiri Novotny. The team said Klesla was injured in Tuesday night's 3-0 win over the Colorado Avalanche, but would not elaborate. He was evaluated by team physicians and is expected to miss at least one week.
Analysis: The initial reports were Klesla dislocated his shoulder, so we expect that's why he has been placed on IR -- a place he is all too familiar with. Klesla has had one injury after the other in 2008-09 and it has severely limited his effectiveness. He is merely a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla will miss 2-3 weeks with a slight separation of his left shoulder.
Analysis: Man, this guy just can't stay healthy. He missed most of January with a lower-body injury and then was only back a week before getting hurt. Luckily for Fantasy owners, Klesla has little value when healthy. Continue to ignore him in most formats.
News:The Columbus Dispatch reports Rostislav Klesla returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Blues. He had been out of the lineup since Jan. 3 with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: Klesla has missed a lot of time this season due to injury and hasn't been around much for Fantasy owners. Klesla is a good two-way player, but is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports The Blue Jackets have reached the All-Star Game break a hard-working but hobbled bunch, still on the brink of a first-ever playoff spot despite a wave of injuries. Kristian Huselius, Michael Peca, Jason Chimera, Rostislav Klesla and Jiri Novotny are all injured and out. But four of those players -- Klesla is the exception -- could play Tuesday when the Blue Jackets get to resume play against Detroit in Nationwide Arena.
Analysis: Columbus said Klesla could be sidelined up to four weeks after getting injured in early January and it appears he will need all the time he can get so he is back up at 100 percent. Klesla has missed a lot of time this season due to injury and hasn't been around much for Fantasy owners. Klesla is a good two-way player, but is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. He also has value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets placed defenseman Rostislav Klesla on injured reserve Monday due to a lower body injury. Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock said Klesla, who was hurt Saturday at St. Louis, could be sidelined up to four weeks.
Analysis: Klesla had only recently returned to the lineup after missing most of the season with a high ankle sprain. Hitchcock said the latest injury was not a recurrence of that. Klesla has a goal and four assists in 19 games this season. He was the Blue Jackets' first draft pick when the franchise came into the league in 2000 and is the last player still on the roster from that first season. Klesla is merely a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets activated D Rostislav Klesla off injured reserve Tuesday. He had missed the past several weeks with a high ankle sprain. His return will bolster a roster already missing several top players.
Analysis: Klesla has one goal and two assists with eight penalty minutes in 11 games with the Blue Jackets this season. The fourth overall pick in the 2000 draft -- the franchise's first pick ever -- has 36 goals and 73 assists in 421 career NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets. He remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (ankle) should return to action Tuesday vs. the Kings. He has been out 5 weeks.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season and remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues when healthy.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (high ankle sprain) will probably practice this week.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season and remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues when healthy.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (high ankle sprain) has begun skating on his own and could practice later this week.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season and remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports the Blue Jackets have placed D Rostislav Klesla on IR with his ankle injury. There is no specific timetable for his return, but he is wearing a boot and has been seen on crutches.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats, but this injury could keep him out for a while so be sure to bench him in deeper leagues or drop him if you can't afford to waste a roster spot on him.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla (ankle) was scratched in Tuesday's game against Edmonton. It was his second straight game missed after missing four games to a wrist injury earlier this month.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla, who missed four games to a wrist injury earlier this month, was scratched because of an ankle injury on Saturday night against the Wild.
Analysis: Klesla has four points (one goal) in 13 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla will return to the ice Wednesday after missing four games with a wrist injury.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rusty Klesla (wrist) might play Wednesday against Phoenix. Klesla took part in the first 25 minutes of practice Tuesday.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla (wrist) did not return to action Saturday against Calgary. He has missed the last four games and is questionable for next Wednesday against the Coyotes.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (wrist) did not return to action Friday against the Canadiens. He has missed the last three games and is questionable for Saturday against the Flames.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla (wrist) will not play Wednesday vs. Edmonton.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla has a wrist injury.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: Columbus D Rostislav Klesla, who played every game last season, was sidelined by an undisclosed injury Monday against the Islanders. He remains day to day and questionable for Wednesday against Edmonton.
Analysis: Klesla has three points (one goal) in 11 games this season. He hasn't taken on a greater offensive role despite a large overhaul on defense and Klesla remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is also valuable in leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News:Rostislav Klesla scored for the Blue Jackets Saturday against the Wild for the first time in 43 games -- his last goal was in January -- after Michael Peca won a faceoff with 11:34 left in the third period.
Analysis: Klesla has just two points in eight games this season to go along with a minus-1 rating. He has disappointed the coaching staff and is not playing with enough authority. Klesla has marginal offensive upside, but still remains a decent penalty killer. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward for short-handed stats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla is not playing with authority so far this season. Klesla has only one assist in five games and a minus-three rating.
Analysis: Klesla had six goals, 12 assists and a plus-7 rating in 82 games last season. He also logged more than 23 minutes per game. He is a top-four defenseman in Columbus again this season, but remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman until his numbers really start to pop.
News:The Sports Xchange reports one of the interesting plot lines of training camp for the Blue Jackets will be how the defensive pairs will settle. Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock has said he wants to pair Mike Commodore with Jan Hejda and Rostislav Klesla with Fedor Tyutin, but the third pair remains a mystery. In the mix for the two spots are Christian Backman, Kris Russell, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Aaron Rome, Clay Wilson and Marc Methot.
Analysis: Klesla had six goals, 12 assists and a plus-7 rating in 82 games last season. He also logged more than 23 minutes per game. He will remain a top-four defenseman in Columbus and might see a few more points come his way with the departure of Ron Hainsey. However, he still remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman until his numbers really start to pop.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla has a hip flexor but was able to play Friday against the Wild. He did not record a point, but finished at plus-2. He does have two assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Don't rely on Klesla to be an explosive scorer. He has never tallied more than 22 points in a season during his first six years. He is merely a low-end Fantasy option.
News: C Dan Fritsche and D Rostislav Klesla each posted two assists and two shots on goal in Tuesday's game at Chicago and C Jiri Novotny posted a pair of goals in the 7-4 win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Despite the two-point games for the young trio, each of the players are only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues. The Blue Jackets are back on the ice Thursday night against the Blues.
News: Rostislav Klesla (hip) returned to the lineup in Tuesday's game at St. Louis, managing two shots on goal in 22:35 of ice time.
Analysis: Despite the scoreless game, it appears safe to get the rugged defenseman back in the active Fantasy lineup in all larger leagues.
News: The Columbus Dispatch is reporting Rostislav Klesla will miss up to two weeks due to a hip pointer injury.
Analysis: This injury might be something which shuts down Klesla for the remainder of the season, although the club can ill-afford to be without any of their other defensemen for the rest of the schedule.
News: Rostislav Klesla is nursing a hip pointer suffered in Saturday's game at Los Angeles, according to columbusbluejackets.com.
Analysis: Consider Klesla day to day for now. He should be reserved in all larger leagues for Fantasy Week 25 (March 19-25) until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla's goal in Friday's 6-2 loss in Calgary was his ninth of the season, a new career high.
Analysis: Klesla is just three points shy of tying his career-high in which he set last season. He has been playing particularly well as of late, getting three goals in the last five games. He is a decent low-end Fantasy defender, but his Fantasy value could be on the rise.
News: Rostislav Klesla had a goal and an assist as the Columbus Blue Jackets held on for a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild Saturday night for their third straight victory.
Analysis: Klesla has now had a goal in consecutive games to open up the second half of the season. He remains a decent low-end Fantasy goalie, but is most useful in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes (71).
News: C Sergei Fedorov, Rostislav Klesla, Joe Motzko and Fredrik Modin scored in regulation for the Blue Jackets, who trailed 3-1 in the second period but rallied to take a 4-3 lead late in the third on Tuesday at Chicago. Motzko's goal was his first in the NHL.
Analysis: Klesla was also a plus-3 in 28:46 of ice time. Rusty remains a decent Fantasy play in most larger leagues.
News: Blue Jackets D Rostislav Klesla had his second two-goal game of the season and the second of his career on Friday in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 win over Anaheim. Klesla hadn't scored since Nov. 22.
Analysis: Klesla is most useful in leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes (59).
News: Rostislav Klesla scored a pair of goals with a plus-1 rating and six shots on goal in 21:35 of ice time in Thursday's game at St. Louis.
Analysis: Klesla stepped up his play with Duvie Westcott (finger surgery) out of the lineup. He is worth adding in all larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Rostislav Klesla (suspension) made his regular season debut in Monday's game against the Coyotes after missing the first two contests due to a suspension. He was scoreless with a plus-1 rating and two shots on goal in 18:08 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Klesla back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues, especially those which heavily reward penalty minutes.
News: Defenseman Rostislav Klesla of the Columbus Blue Jackets will sit out two regular-season games for a questionable preseason hit, the first player suspended by the NHL this season. Klesla was suspended Tuesday for the hit on Chicago forward Tuomo Ruutu, who is out four weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Klesla will miss the opener Oct. 6 against Vancouver and the game the following day against the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Klesla got a five-minute major for clipping Ruutu on Friday night. If your league rewards penalty minutes, Klesla is a decent pickup despite the suspension. Just reserve him in the first week.
News: Rostislav Klesla (charley horse) was able to play in Tuesday's game against the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Klesla left Sunday's game at Anaheim briefly, but it appears safe to get him back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues which allow daily transactions.
News: Rostislav Klesla was injured in a collision with Corey Perry in Sunday's game at Anaheim. He suffered a charley horse on the play and was receiving treatment for the second period injury, but was able to return to the bench in the third period.
Analysis: Klesla has had a penchant for injuries, but it appears he dodged a bullet here. Keep him activated for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Rostislav Klesla has managed four goals, eight assists and a minus-4 rating with 53 penalty minutes through 30 games at the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Klesla, who appears to be 100 percent healthy, is a decent Fantasy player in larger leagues which reward penalty minutes.
News: Rostislav Klesla was scoreless with one shot on goal in 22:42 of ice time in Wednesday's game against the Kings.
Analysis: Despite the scoreless game, Klesla has seven points (1 G, 6 A) over the past seven games. He is worth adding in all larger Fantasy leagues if you need help at defense.
News: Rostislav Klesla (broken right hand) returned to the lineup on Tuesday against the Red Wings after missing the past 16 games. He finished with an assist and minus-1 rating in 22:48 of ice time.
Analysis: Klesla is a decent addition in larger Fantasy leagues now that he is healthy.
News: Rostislav Klesla (broken leg, hand) remainded sidelined for Saturday's game against the Predators.
Analysis: Klesla has been practicing with the team and was a game-time decision, so his return is near. However, keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues for the upcoming scoring period until he can officially play.
News: According to the Columbus Post-Dispatch, Rostislav Klesla will be a game-time decision for Saturday's game.
Analysis: Klesla, out since early November, practiced without the yellow jersey on Friday. The team says that even if he doesn't play tonight, he should be back by Tuesday.
News: The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Rostislav Klesla (broken leg, hand) has started skating hard in practice and is targeting a return to the lineup Dec. 18.
Analysis: Klesla is a decent Fantasy option when he is healthy, but unfortunately those times are few and far between.
News: According to published reports, Rostislav Klesla broke his hand in an in-game fight and will be lost to the Blue Jackets for six weeks.
Analysis: Klesla had been back for only four games when he took on the Blues Eric Brewer and ended up breaking his hand in a fight at the end of the game. He is a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 12 or more teams when healthy, but is not worth taking up space while he recovers.
News: Rostislav Klesla (leg) was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday and he scored in his first game back. He was also a minus-1 with three shots on goal in 19:02 of ice time at Edmonton.
Analysis: Klesla is not a real high scorer, so don't get too excited about the goal in Tuesday's game. He is a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 12 or more teams.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports Rostislav Klesla (broken leg) is expected to be activated before Tuesday's game at Edmonton.
Analysis: Klesla might be inserted on the team's top defensive pairing along with Adam Foote at some point, but keep him reserved until he gets back into the swing of things.
News: Rostislav Klesla is expected to miss the next four to six weeks due to a stress fracture in his right leg.
Analysis: Klesla is expected to miss about 15-20 games of the regular season. Avoid him on Draft Day in all leagues, as his Fantasy value was minimal to begin with.
News: Rostislav Klesla (leg) will miss the last two games of the season after enduring a hit against the boards Wednesday against Detroit.
Analysis: Klesla should be dropped from all yearly-league rosters.
News: The Blue Jackets' official website reports that Rostislav Klesla (sprained wrist) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Analysis: Klesla is not worth owning in most leagues when he is healthy.
News: Rostislav Klesla (back) returned to the lineup on Saturday. He was scoreless in 21:51 of ice time.
Analysis: Klesla is best used as a reserve in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Rostislav Klesla left Thursday's game with a bruied back after a hit from San Jose's Marco Sturm and did not return.
Analysis: Klesla is considered day to day.
News: Klesla (knee) was activated from injured reserve on Wednesday.
Analysis: He had been sidelined for the past 13 games. He is best used as a reserve in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Rostislav Klesla (knee) might be back in the lineup on Dec. 31 against San Jose, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Analysis: When healthy, Klesla is best used as a reserve in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets placed Rostislav Klesla on injured reserve on Monday due to a strained medial collateral ligament. He suffered the injury during Saturday's game with the Capitals.
Analysis: Klesla is expected to miss six weeks due to the injury. When healthy, he has only minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Rostislav Klesla left Saturday's game against Washington in the first period with a knee injury.
Analysis: Klesla, whose status is day to day, should be reserved for the week in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Rostislav Klesla returned from a hip injury Sunday against Calgary. He was scoreless in the game.
Analysis: Klesla has been a disappointment throughout his NHL career, but he's still worth gambling on in larger Fantasy leagues. He has a fair amount of offensive upside.
News: Rostislav Klesla (hip) missed his fourth consecutive game on Friday.
Analysis: Klesla is questionable for Sunday's game against the Flames. He should be reserved in all leagues.
News: Rostislav Klesla (hip) missed his third consecutive game on Thursday.
Analysis: Klesla is still considered day to day. When healthy, he has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Rostislav Klesla missed his second straight game with a hip pointer injury Tuesday in Vancouver. He remains day to day.
Analysis: Reserve Klesla until he officially returns to the lineup.
News: Rostislav Klesla bruised his ankle blocking a shot on Friday and he was unable to skate over the weekend.
Analysis: Klesla is expected to return to the ice on Tuesday. The injury is not considered serious and he is day to day.
News: Klesla returned from a shoulder injury Tuesday against Colorado. He was scoreless in the game, and is best used as a Fantasy reserve in a larger league.
Analysis:
News:The Columbus Dispatch reports that Klesla has added muscle and bulk during the offseason. "(Klesla) is a lot better skater than I thought -- not that I thought he was a bad skater," said defenseman Scott Lachance. "But he's a great skater. He has a lot of energy out there and, it's obvious, a huge amount of talent. I look at him in the same light as a young Ed Jovanovski." Klesla looks primed for a breakout year, and he's an excellent selection in keeper leagues. He might garner mid-round consideration with a strong preseason, but for now, pick him as a late-round sleeper.
Analysis:
News: Klesla wants to check on his progress from a shoulder injury before the Olympic break, which suggests he might want to return Tuesday against Minnesota. However, it's best to keep him reserved for this week as a precaution.
Analysis:
News: Klesla missed Friday's game in Detroit and is unlikely to play Saturday against Nashville due to a sprained shoulder. He could be out until after the Olympic break, so keep him reserved for the upcoming week.
Analysis:
News: Klesla will miss Friday's game in Detroit and is unlikely to play Saturday against Nashville due to a sprained shoulder. He could be out until after the Olympic break, so keep him reserved for the upcoming week.
Analysis:
News: Klesla said over the weekend that he expects to be sidelined about one week due to a strained shoulder he suffered Thursday against San Jose. Keep him reserved for this week.
Analysis:
News: Blue Jackets Head Coach Dave King says that Klesla's decreasing ice time is not a lack of confidence in the rookie, according to the Columbus Dispatch. "I still have a lot of confidence in (Klesla), sure," King said. "As a young player, you've got to prove you can play even-strength hockey at this level. Then, once you proven you're solid at five-on-five hockey, the other aspects come your way." Expect Klesla to get more playing time as the season progresses, but this should serve as a reminder that you shouldn't be expecting him to have a huge rookie season in your Fantasy league. He's really better served as a No. 4 or 5 defenseman on your squad at best.
Analysis:
