Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, Damon Severson, suffers oblique injury, to miss 6 weeks
The Blue Jackets announced Tuesday that defenseman Damon Severson is expected to miss about six weeks with an oblique injury that occurred in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Severson, 29, has three goals and five assists with a +1 plus/minus rating. He averages 20:54 of ice time a game and has played in all 19 of the Blue Jackets' (4-11-4) games this season. The veteran was acquired in a trade last June and agreed to an eight-year contract worth $6.25 million per season.
“We have a different look now when we look at our depth chart on our (defense pairs)," Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said. "In this case, it’s ‘Next man up.'"
Adam Boqvist will get the first opportunity with Severson out, projected to skate on the top pairing with Zach Werenski. He may also work his way back into the Jackets' struggling power play groups. Adam Peeke will remain a healthy scratch, but there's a chance he or Nick Blankenburg, who's currently playing in the AHL, could get a look.
"Boqvist and Peeke have been working their (tails) off every day," Vincent said. "They are doing everything right. They’re still great teammates. They’re not creating any distractions away from the rink. They’re not happy, but now, Boqvist next game, will have a chance. And we’re looking at Blankenburg in the minors. We’re looking at those guys, as well. Everybody has a chance. Once you’re given a chance, take advantage of it, but next game it will be Boqvist and we’ll go from there.”
The Blue Jackets added Severson in a sign-and-trade deal with the New Jersey Devils this offseason. The 6-2, 202-pound right-handed shot has an eight-year contract with Columbus with an annual salary-cap charge of $6.25 million per season.
The Blue Jackets' next game is Wednesday when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. The Jackets will be looking to end a nine-game winless streak. Chicago has lost four in a row.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets Damon Severson out 6 weeks with oblique injury
