The Columbus Blue Jackets received a glimmer of hope in their difficult season Thursday as head coach Todd Richards announced forward Brandon Dubinsky will return from injury Friday.

Dubinsky - who has eight goals and 22 points in 34 games - has been out of the lineup since February 26 when he was run into the boards against the Montreal Canadiens.

The 28-year-old took part in his first practice Thursday since sustaining the injury.

The Jackets, losers five straight, play the New Jersey Devils on Friday.