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Columbus Blue Jackets Sam Vigneault Out 4-6 Weeks

By Lansing Murphy

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 17: Texas Stars C Jason Dickinson (38) plays the puck along the boards as Cleveland Monsters C Sam Vigneault (19) defends during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Texas Stars and Cleveland Monsters on March 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. Texas defeated Cleveland 4-0. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 17: Texas Stars C Jason Dickinson (38) plays the puck along the boards as Cleveland Monsters C Sam Vigneault (19) defends during the second period of the AHL hockey game between the Texas Stars and Cleveland Monsters on March 17, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. Texas defeated Cleveland 4-0. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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One of the more promising centers for the Columbus Blue Jackets is done with training camp and preseason.

Sam Vigneault, the big centerman trying to impress the Columbus Blue Jackets brass, has suffered a broken finger. He will miss anywhere from four to six weeks and his time at training camp is over.

Vigneault was a long shot to make the Columbus Blue Jackets squad this season but this injury assures that he will not be in Columbus this season. The 6’5″ center will spend the season with the Cleveland Monsters after he recovers from his injury.

The Clarkson University free agent signee from last season excited the front office. The team was excited to see what this massive skater could do for the franchise. He had a solid Traverse City Tournament for the team and even had 5 points in 16 games in the AHL as he transitioned from NCAA hockey last season.

Related Story: Vigneault's Training Camp to Shine

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He played in the Columbus Blue Jackets first preseason game against Chicago on Tuesday. He didn’t get on the score sheet but then again, not many Jackets did in the disappointing start to preseason play. Vigneault did have two shots on goal, two hits, and was only a -1. A solid rating when you lose 5-2.

Whats Next for Vigneault

Vigneault wasn’t going to crack the opening day roster for the Jackets but he was proving that he was a valuable asset to the franchise. This was an important preseason for Vigneault. His first with an NHL contract.

By all accounts and my observations from watching practice and a game, this kid can contribute. He is still at least a year in the AHL away from having what it takes to contribute on an NHL fourth line, but its there.

Vigneault’s broken finger isn’t ideal for his development but it isn’t the end of the world. Four to six weeks will likely be four week for recovery time. He can lace them up and be out on the ice for the Monsters by the second week of the AHL regular season.

Here’s to a speedy recovery and a good season in Cleveland for the 22-year-old.

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