Jackets' Berube makes 1st NHL start since 2018 amid team's injuries

Jean-Francois Berube started his first NHL game in nearly four years against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.

The goaltender got the nod because the Blue Jackets suddenly have three injured netminders. Elvis Merzlikins got hurt in Saturday's practice, while Joonas Korpisalo and Daniil Tarasov were already dealing with ailments of their own.

Berube last suited up in the NHL as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks on April 6, 2018. He played 34 contests with the Blackhawks and New York Islanders over three seasons beginning in 2015-16.

The 30-year-old has played with four AHL clubs since his previous NHL appearance. He's 4-9-4 with an .891 save percentage across 27 games with the Cleveland Monsters - Columbus' affiliate - in 2021-22. Berube is in his second stint with the Monsters after playing 43 contests with them in 2018-19.

Berube isn't the only goalie returning to the NHL on Sunday after a lengthy absence. Andrew Hammond also made his first start in the league since 2018 for the Montreal Canadiens against the Islanders.

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