Columbus Blue Jackets Jack Johnson Suspended 3 Games

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ game last night did not go as planned. Perhaps the only good news that came out of the game was that no one was lost to injury, because they simply cannot afford to lose anyone else.

That didn’t last long, however. Today, defenseman Jack Johnson had a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety, and it was announced that he will be suspended for three games for an illegal hit to the head on Hurricanes’ Jiri Tlusty.

In case you missed the play, check out this video:

Tlusty was immediately taken off the ice after the hit, but today it is looking like he didn’t suffer any serious injury as a result. Johnson was given a two-minute minor penalty when the hit occurred, and after the hearing with Player Safety today he will miss the next three games.

Missing Johnson will be a big blow to the Jackets’ blue line, especially without the veteran presence of James Wisniewski. Their defense is also missing Cody Goloubef, who is out six weeks with a knee injury, and is likely to be missing Ryan Murray, as he is listed as “day-to-day” and is still suffering complications in his recovery from knee surgery.

Johnson’s suspension leaves Fedor Tyutin as the only veteran on the blue line, leaving him with Dalton Prout, Tim Erixon and Frederic St. Denis.

Not good. After six straight losses, the Jackets can’t afford to lose their few remaining veteran players, and especially not to suspension. Injuries can be unavoidable, but taking a 3-game suspension is avoidable and unnecessary, not to mention a disappointment to see.

What are your reactions? Was the hit suspension-worthy? What effect will this have on the Jackets going forward? Will they be able to battle back from six straight losses without Johnson? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!