The Columbus Blue Jackets avoided the injury bug for much of the season.
That hasn't been true down the stretch, though, but it appears Columbus dodged the biggest bullet of them all.
Standout first-year defenseman Zach Werenski missed much of the third period of Sunday's game vs. Washington after a jarring hit into the boards from Alexander Ovechkin. But head coach John Tortorella said after today's practice – which Werenski missed – that the 19-year-old Calder Trophy candidate was "day to day." Exactly what that means remains to be seen, but it doesn't sound like worst-case scenario for the Jackets.
In case you missed it, here's the hit, which earned review from the NHL office.
Losing Werenski for any amount of time would be a blow to the Blue Jackets, who have installed the youngster on a defensive pair with Seth Jones as part of a duo that has impressive possession numbers at 5-on-5. He has also served as the team's power-play quarterback for much of the year while compiling 11 goals, 36 assists and a plus-17 rating while playing in all 78 games.
If he is forced to miss any time, the Blue Jackets would see both rookie Markus Nutivaara and Scott Harrington in the lineup. The two have been alternating games of late since the injury to Ryan Murray and acquisition of Kyle Quincey at the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, the news isn't as good for fellow rookie Lukas Sedlak, who left the team's Friday game vs. Chicago. Tortorella said the Czech forward is merely "week to week" with the undisclosed injury. The 24-year-old has played mostly center this year but was also getting in some late-season work at wing. He has seven goals and six assists in 62 games this year.
Torts calling Werenski "day to day" and Sedlak "week to week." Milano has been recalled and will play v Oens
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) April 3, 2017
There was a bit of good news today as winger Oliver Bjorkstrand skated with the team at practice. Bjorkstrand hasn't played since being crunched into the boards by Toronto's Roman Polak on March 22 with a hit that earned the Maple Leafs defenseman a two-game suspension.
With Bjorkstrand nearing a return and the call-up to Sonny Milano on Monday, that could lead to some major jumbling for the team's forward lines as the squad gets back in action on Tuesday in Pittsburgh in a game that will go a long way in determining who gets home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
Both Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand are expected to be in the lineup tomorrow for CBJ.
— Alison (@AlisonL) April 3, 2017
