Injuries are piling up across the NHL, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are feeling it. With over 120 man-games lost so far this season, the team has had to navigate a revolving door of absences - from long-term injuries to short-term setbacks - all while trying to keep pace in a competitive conference.
Let’s break down the current state of the Blue Jackets’ injury report, who’s back, who’s still sidelined, and what it all means moving forward.
Erik Gudbranson Returns After Long Absence
A much-needed boost to the blue line came in the form of Erik Gudbranson, who returned to action after missing several months with an upper-body injury. The veteran defenseman has now suited up for the last two games, bringing a physical presence and stability to a defensive corps that’s been stretched thin. His return doesn’t just help on the ice - it gives the locker room a jolt of leadership and experience.
Dante Fabbro Leaves Early vs. Penguins
In Saturday’s matchup against the Penguins, defenseman Dante Fabbro logged less than five minutes of ice time before exiting with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. He was later seen on crutches, which is never an encouraging sign, and his status remains up in the air.
The team is expected to provide an update following today’s practice at Nationwide Arena. Until then, the uncertainty lingers.
Denton Mateychuk Still Out, But Optimism Remains
Rookie defenseman Denton Mateychuk has missed a few games after taking a hit from Brandon Tanev of the Utah Mammoth on the very first shift of the game. Though he avoided IR, he’s been sidelined since.
The team has indicated the injury isn’t considered serious, and Mateychuk was scheduled to get a second opinion. There’s hope he could be back by week’s end, which would be a welcome sight for a team that’s had to juggle defensive pairings on a nightly basis.
Other Notable Injuries
The list of walking wounded doesn’t stop there. Here’s a look at a few more key names dealing with injuries:
- Isac Lundeström (Lower Body) - He’s missed 12 games and remains on IR. While he’s been skating, there’s no clear timeline for his return.
He’s considered week-to-week for now.
- Brendan Smith (Lower Body) - After missing 10 games, Smith has officially been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. That’s a tough blow for a team that values his gritty, stay-at-home style.
- Miles Wood (Lower Body) - Out for nine games and counting, Wood is also listed as week-to-week. His speed and energy have been missed, especially in transition.
- Mason Marchment (Upper Body) - Marchment has been sidelined for seven games and remains on a week-to-week basis. His physicality and offensive upside make him a tough player to replace.
Total Man-Games Lost: 127 and Climbing
With 127 man-games already lost, the Blue Jackets have had to test their depth across the board. Young players have been thrust into bigger roles, and the coaching staff has had to get creative with line combinations and special teams. It’s a test of resilience - and so far, Columbus is doing its best to stay afloat.
As the team awaits further updates and potential returns, the hope is that reinforcements will start trickling in soon. Every healthy body counts as the Blue Jackets look to build momentum and stay in the hunt.
We’ll keep tracking the latest developments as they come.