Jeff Carter is arguably the most hated figure in Columbus Blue Jackets history. For years, the CBJ faithful have loathed the man. But as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, Carter and Jackets fans usually don’t have to deal with each other.
That’s true for 81 games of the year, but one game a year, the two sides have to collide. When the Kings make their annual visit to Nationwide Arena, it’s usually a sight to see. The signs, chants and overall hatred of one man by Columbus Blue Jackets fans turns what should be a normal inter-conference affair into a rivalry.
Unfortunately, Jeff Carter will not be playing in 2017’s edition of Carter vs. Columbus. Due to a cut on his leg, JC has been sidelined indefinitely.
Carter was injured during Wednesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens when defenseman Jeff Petry‘s skate hit and cut Carter’s leg, injuring his ankle tendon. He had surgery the following day and was ruled out indefinitely by LA general manager Rob Blake.
Brooks Laich, a veteran center that has not played a NHL game in a year and a half, was signed by LA to replace Carter. Despite technically being out of the league since April 2016, Laich has been practicing with the Kings without a contract since his tryout deal expired, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Even with Carter being out, don’t expect CBJ fans to be quiet with the Kings. Los Angeles and Columbus are teams that always play each other tough and Nationwide will be rocking for the Saturday night showdown as they usually are.
This injury will affect the Kings in a big way. Their lack of centerman depth is almost certainly going to be exposed now with Carter out. Although Anze Kopitar is still there and awesome, LA will have to rely more on their bottom six centers and Laich to stay afloat.
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Although Jeff Carter did the CBJ wrong years ago and deserves to be booed, I’ll never wish injury upon him–or anyone for that matter. I hope he has a quick recovery because he is a star in this league and the NHL is more fun when all the stars are playing.