Stefan Legein, the Blue Jackets prospect who mysteriously quit playing hockey this past summer, is ready to play again.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson and Legein's agent, Doug Woods, confirmed to The Dispatch that Legein intends to join the club in Columbus within the next few weeks.

"I don't think anything has changed with Stefan other than he wants to play again," Woods said. "He misses the game."

Legein, the club's second-round pick (No. 37) in 2007, is currently on the Blue Jackets' suspended list. He stunned the front office this past summer when it became known that he wouldn't attend training camp, citing a "lack of desire" to play competitive hockey.

"Stef might have some bridges to build with teammates," said Howson, who spoke with Legein about 10 days ago. "I've said all along -- to him and about him -- that if he doesn't have the desire or the passion, we're OK with that. This is a difficult profession. You can't go in half-interested.

"If he's ready to do this, and display the necessary passion, I have compassion for him, and we'll welcome him back. I'm sure his teammates would, too."

Legein would likely begin the season with minor-league Syracuse.