The Columbus Blue Jackets knew they might lose defenseman Zach Werenski after he went down with an upper-body injury during their game against the New York Islanders Saturday. The Blue Jackets have since announced that the blueliner will miss four weeks due to a shoulder injury, the same injury he had surgery on over the summer.
The 22-year-old looked to have been in a serious injury after colliding with the Islanders’ Anders Lee just four minutes into the game. Werenski immediately favored his shoulder as he left the ice. He has been a key player on the Blue Jackets’ blueline as he is second on the team in ATOI, averaging 22:41, while he is tied for third on the team with six goals.
The team is currently with just six defensemen, but don’t play another game until Tuesday, which should give the team time to recall a defenseman. Scott Harrington will likely get the first shot in replacing Werenski in the lineup, but the team is likely going to call up a player from the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL with Adam Clendening likely being the top option, while youngster Andrew Peeke could also get an opportunity.