As if Columbus doesn’t need any more bad news, reliable defenceman Damon Severson has an injury. The team made an announcement that he will miss about six weeks with what is described as an oblique injury. Moreover, the Blue Jackets are already going through a rough patch with top stars being benched. Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau have both been benched recently. Now, the Severson injury only adds to the difficulties.
Injury Update: Damon Severson is expected to miss approximately six weeks after suffering an oblique injury in Sunday’s game at Philadelphia.
We have also loaned right wing Trey Fix-Wolansky to the @monstershockey.
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— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 21, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets Defenceman Damon Severson to Miss Six Weeks With Oblique Injury
The product of the Canadian prairies is in his first year with the Blue Jackets. In the offseason, he inked a sizable eight-year, $50 M contract. Furthermore, he’s off to not a bad start with eight points through 19 games. Additionally, his point share is up to 1.6, and has a CF% Rel at 2.0. Decent numbers, for the struggling 4-11-4 and last place in the Metropolitan Division team. His career-high of 46 points came back in 2021-22, so his point total this year is passable. The 29-year-old has earned that nice contract and maybe his last, so he would like to have success.
What Does This Mean for the Blue Jackets
As we have hinted at, the landscape in Ohio is not looking too pleasant right now. We say right now because they are loaded with a nice mix of talent and prospects. Having brought in a veteran like Severson was seen as the right move, bringing stability on the backend. The team’s top pairing of Ivan Provorov and Zach Werenski has been decent in over 23 minutes a night. However, they haven’t been great. Now, things will only compound as Severson is third on the defence in average ice time. Needless to say, players need to step up in Columbus, or it is shaping up to be a long 2023-24 season. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for 2022 sixth overall selection David Jiricek. Also, getting more ice time will be good for his confidence.
Main photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
