Just like the Canadiens' infirmary in Montreal, the Columbus Blue Jackets' infirmary is quite busy in 2023-2024 and now forward Patrik Laine has been added to the patient roster.
The Ohio organization announced on Friday that the Finn would be out for six weeks due to a broken collarbone he suffered the day before in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the second period he hit the boards heavily after William Lagesson tripped him. After leaving the ice in pain, Laine appeared to rest his left shoulder as he retreated toward the locker room. He did not return to the game.
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The former Winnipeg Jets veteran is having a physically demanding season as he was limited to 18 games due to an upper body injury and an illness. The man who found the net in Thursday's 6-5 overtime win collected six goals and three assists.
In Columbus, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, defensemen Erik Gudbranson, Damon Severson and Adam Boqvist, and forwards Jack Roslovic and Cole Sillinger all struggled with injuries in 2023-2024. This puts the Jackets in the basement of the Metropolitan Section of the National Hockey League with 25 points in 31 games.