Columbus Blue Jackets Dealt Brutal Injury News

The Columbus Blue Jackets' nightmare 2022-23 season has now just gotten worse. Jakub Voracek has not been cleared to resume hockey activities and will be out indefinitely due to his ongoing concussion. GM Jarmo Kekalainen released a statement noting that doctors informed Voracek to take time off to "see if his symptoms subside to the point that will allow him to come back and play."

Voracek is a notable part of the Blue Jackets' core, and his playing future potentially being in jeopardy is simply awful news. The 33-year-old has put together an excellent 15-year career thus far, as he has 223 goals, 583 assists, and 806 points in 1,058 games. Although it would be awesome to see him build upon these fantastic totals, health will forever come first ahead of hockey. Therefore, he absolutely cannot be rushed back. We here at NHLTR wish him the best as he deals with his ongoing concussion symptoms.

In other injury news, Jake Bean had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder and will be out for the next four to six months. Given that long timeline, it is likely that the 24-year-old has played his last game of the 2022-23 campaign. In 14 games on the year, he has one goal to go along with six points. Overall, it was a year that seemed to have promise for the Calgary native, so it is rough to see it end so early.