Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has undergone successful shoulder surgery. The reported recovery time is 5-6 months from this surgery, meaning Werenski will be returning right around the start of the 2018-19 regular season. While it is good news that the surgery was successful, it is a bit worrying for Columbus that Werenski will not be able to participate in camp or preseason.
Zach Werenski Undergoes Successful Shoulder Surgery, Out 5-6 Months
Werenski has solidified himself as a bonafide first pairing defenseman in his two seasons with Columbus so far. The 20-year-old blueliner finished his first season in Columbus with 11 goals and 36 assists in 78 games. And while his production did have a bit of a decline this season, he was able to finish 2017-18 with 16 goals and 21 assists in 77 games.
On top of his solid regular season play, Werenski has been a reliable performer in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well. Werenski had a goal and two assists in six playoff games this season.
To show off his importance to the Blue Jackets even more, Werenski was second in time on ice during the 2017-18 season, second to only defensive partner Seth Jones. He was also fourth in this category during the Blue Jackets playoff series against the Washington Capitals this year.
According to Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, Werenski had been dealing with this shoulder injury since the start of the regular season. Playing with an injury in need of surgery for an entire season is quite the task. The recovery timeline being as long as it becomes a lot less confusing.
“Zach has been dealing with this injury since early in the season and while he was able to play through it, our medical team determined that surgery was the best option at this time,” said Kekalainen. “The surgery went very well and the expectation is Zach will be ready to play by the start of the season or shortly thereafter.”
Werenski is expected to make a full recovery and to be ready for either the start of the 2018-19 season.
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