The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that defenseman Zach Werenski left Monday’s game against Washington with an upper-body injury and couldn’t return.
The team ruled out Werenski and forward Mathieu Olivier before the third period started. It’s unclear when Werenski got hurt during the game.
Blue Jackets head coach said after the game that it was too early to know how serious Werenski’s injury is, according to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Columbus’s top defenseman.
Werenski had just been named the NHL’s second star of the week before Monday’s contest. The 28-year-old is tied for third among all defensemen with 21 points this season.
He’s also averaging 26:50 of ice time per game, which ranks second in the league.
Werenski finished as the Norris Trophy runner-up last season. He’s considered a front-runner to make Team USA’s Olympic roster in February.
The Capitals won the game 5-1, handing Columbus another tough loss in what’s been a difficult season.
The Blue Jackets will likely provide an update on Werenski’s status before their next game. Any extended absence would be a major blow to a team that’s already struggling this season.
