What impact will Seth Jones being out for the next four to six weeks have on the Columbus Blue Jackets?
In a few words, not as bad as you think. As hard as it is to believe, Seth Jones not playing for the next four to six weeks won’t be as monumental of an issue for the Columbus Blue Jackets as it might at first glance.
Sure, Jones is a Norris trophy caliber candidate and the best defensive player in the history of the franchise. Sure, Zach Werenski is recovering from shoulder surgery and Ryan Murray is injured as well but take a deeper look and you’ll realize it isn’t all that bad.
For one thing, four weeks out is October 24th. Jones would end up missing out on eight games, only three of which are against teams that made the playoffs last season. The Columbus Blue Jackets schedule in October is one of the easiest months any team will have all year. They only play four road games and one back-to-back.
Detroit, Carolina, Chicago, Arizona. Not exactly teams that strike fear into you’re heart. The schedule sets up perfectly for Seth Jones to recover.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Other teams will not be in midseason form either. Teams will still be working out the kinks early in the year, especially young teams like the ones the Jackets will be playing in October.
Beyond the schedule, the Jackets are very deep on the blue line. Markus Nutivaara, David Savard, and Zach Werenski are all above average defenseman. Adam Clendening has looked very good in preseason action.
Plus being able to rotate in Dean Kukan, Scott Harrington, and Gabriel Carlsson, will be good for the team. All three plus Clendening will continue to be fighting for a spot on the team and have the utmost incentive to play as best as they can.
Not that any of these guys can play on Jones level, but it won’t be a crating off in the level of on ice play. Jones will certainly be missed but Werenski seems to be recovering nicely and he can provide a similar level of offensive firepower, especially on the power play.
Riley Nash and Brandon Dubinsky have played well in the preseason. Their defensive prowess on the third and fourth lines should help lessen the pressure on defenseman.
All of these factors combined with the best goalie in the world in net makes the loss of one of the top five defenseman in the game less impactful. It will still be felt, but the sky isn’t falling Columbus.