Columbus Blue Jackets Star Out Multiple Weeks

When it rains, it pours.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a disastrous 2022-23 season thus far. Not only are they tied with the Anaheim Ducks for the least points in the NHL, but they have dealt with a ton of injury trouble, most notably Zach Werenski being done for the year. Now, things are only getting worse, as Patrik Laine will be out for the next three to four weeks with a sprained ankle.

Although Laine has had a slow start to this season, much like the Blue Jackets as a collective unit, there's no question that they will him immensely while he's out. He was a major contributor to their offense last season, as he recorded 56 points in just as many games. Replacing that kind of production will be very difficult for the Blue Jackets but even more so when noting that Jakub Voracek, Sean Kuraly, and Justin Danforth are all out, too.

At this point, the Blue Jackets are clearly among the clubs in the Conor Bedard watch. Losing Laine only heightens this.