Blue Jackets Defenseman To Miss Time

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jake Bean will be out for the next four weeks due to a groin strain.

Bean was acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Carolina Hurricanes during the offseason. Due to Carolina's immense depth on the back end, the 2016 first-round pick had trouble being a mainstay in their lineup. Thus, the change of scenery was welcomed by the 23-year-old and he has been playing well since. In 41 games this season, he has four goals and 15 points. These are each career highs for the youngster, too.

However, Bean's solid season will now have to be put on pause for roughly the next month. This is hard news for Columbus, as they are trying to claw themselves back into the playoff picture. At this time, they have a 20-22-1 record and 12 points behind the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card spot. Therefore, they need to win a lot from here but are now without one of their top defensemen.

Alas, here's to hoping Bean can return to the lineup sooner than expected, as the Blue Jackets would have him on the ice than not.