Pascal Leclaire's right ankle hasn't been right since training camp, when Minnesota Wild enforcer Derek Boogaard plowed him over during an exhibition game.

With the stretched ligaments, bone spurs and "all kinds of stuff going on in there," Leclaire said he has good days and bad days, but few very good days.

And so the Blue Jackets goaltender and team officials are waiting, but the club can't afford to wait much longer.

Within days, perhaps as soon as today, the Blue Jackets should hear back from a specialist in Cleveland who is reviewing Leclaire's recent MRI tests. The doctor could advise Leclaire that, with more rest and treatment, he can finish the season. Or he could recommend season-ending surgery.

"If I can't play, I can't play," Leclaire said. "But if there's an option and I can come back and play, that's what I want to do."

Even if Leclaire does return, it's likely that he will need offseason surgery to clean up the ankle.

General manager Scott Howson, who added forward Jason Williams via trade Wednesday, has been making phone calls lately in search of a goaltender. As it stands, there are only three goalies with NHL contracts in the Blue Jackets organization: Steve Mason, Leclaire and Dan LaCosta.

The Blue Jackets were considered a likely candidate to claim Curtis Sanford off waivers from Vancouver yesterday, but after a hockey operations meeting Wednesday, the Blue Jackets did not put in a claim. Neither did 28 other clubs, as Sanford cleared waivers.

The quality of goaltender the Blue Jackets pursue -- an NHL backup or a player who can bounce between Columbus and minor-league Syracuse -- will depend on Leclaire's status.

If he's out for the season, they likely will pursue a full-time backup with NHL experience.

Power play change

Toward the end of practice yesterday, the Blue Jackets went to work on their enhanced power play.

Williams, acquired for minor-league defenseman Clay Wilson and a sixth-round draft pick, was on the point along with Kris Russell.

Coach Ken Hitchcock said Williams will work with Russell and Fedor Tyutin on the point.

"(Williams) wants the puck," Hitchcock said. "He wants to be near the puck. He wants the puck in the slot. He knows how to get it through to the net."

Hitchcock made it clear, however, that the club expects more out of Williams than just a better power play. Williams skated on a line with left winger Craig MacDonald and right winger Derek Dorsett in practice.

"Jason is a smart guy who knows how to play the right way," Hitchcock said. "He has to get accustomed to what we do here, but he brings an element to our club that's been missing since (center) Derick Brassard went down."

Slap shots

Left wingers Rick Nash (sprained left knee) and Andrew Murray (upper body) participated in full practice yesterday. It will be determined today if they'll dress tonight against the New Jersey Devils. Center Derek MacKenzie was sent back to minor-league Syracuse. Williams will wear sweater No. 29, previously worn by Krzysztof Oliwa (2000-01), Alex Selivanov (2000-01), Grant Marshall (2001-03) and Marc Methot (2007-08). Methot now wears No. 3. Fans arriving earlier than 6 tonight will be allowed to wait inside the main entrance area to avoid standing in the single-digit temperatures. Also, fans waiting in line for $10 tickets or students purchasing Rush CBJ tickets will line up inside beginning at 5 p.m.

aportzline@dispatch.com