Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski suffered a surprise fall during Wednesday's game and will be reevaluated weekly because his lower-body injury is more serious than expected.
Head coach Pascal Vincent confirmed on Thursday that the 26-year-old American would be out for several games, but did not provide an exact timetable.
“He is still being examined by our doctors,” the Quebec instructor reported, according to the website LNH.com. It doesn't look like this case is being judged on a daily basis. We're talking more about a weekly evaluation. How many weeks? I don't know it.”
Against the New Jersey Devils, Werenski came into contact with forward Ondrej Palat and was unable to get up on his own. He tried to crawl toward his team's bench, trying not to put any weight on his left leg.
“When I saw him fall, I hoped he would be okay and that it wouldn't be anything serious,” goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins said. It's tough. He is one of our most important defenders. It really sucks for him. I feel sorry for him because he works hard. He gives everything in every game, in every training session. […] These are injuries we can’t control.”
Werenski hasn't been spared in recent years, as he was forced to miss 69 games in 2022-2023 due to a shoulder injury. He is the Jackets' leading scorer this season with 25 points in 34 games.