The star Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman suffered the injury in the second period last night in Clinton, New York.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones will be out 4-6 weeks with a strained knee ligament as reported by The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline on Twitter.
#CBJ say D Seth Jones is out 4-6 weeks with a strained knee ligament.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 26, 2018
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This loss is huge for the Blue Jackets as Jones finished last season with 57 points as a 23 year old defenseman. His breakout season last year primed Jones for an even bigger season in 2018-2019, but it appears that will be put on hold at least temporarily. He finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting last season which is awarded annually to the NHL’s top defenseman.
Along with Seth Jones’ injury, Portzline also reported that Ryan Murray will miss the start of the season with a groin injury and that Zach Werenski will likely be back soon from his off-season surgery.
#CBJ defense is off to a rocky start to 2018-19 with injuries. Seth Jones (knee) and Ryan Murray (groin) will miss the start of the season. Zach Werenski (shoulder) is expected to play in Friday exhibition after having major off-season surgery.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 26, 2018
The 2018-2019 NHL season appears to be one of the strongest in Columbus Blue Jackets history, however is certainly reliant on the health and well-being of the team’s star players.
This is good news for a few of Adam Clendening, Dean Kukan, Gabriel Carlsson or Scott Harrington, as it appears that two or potentially even three of the four will be on the opening night roster at this point in time.
Losing a top pairing defenseman will hurt any team, however the lack of depth for right handed defensemen on the Blue Jackets makes this injury even more of a setback for the now playoff regulars.
This franchise has long been plagued by injuries, notably in seasons coming off of what is at that time considered the most successful in club history. The Columbus Blue Jackets organization and fans alike are both hoping that the 2018-2019 season will not be a repeat of history, however it certainly appears like it may be heading in that direction.