More Bad News for Blue Jackets as Erik Gudbranson Out For "Significant" Period

 The bad news just keeps coming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Erik Gudbranson, who had already been placed on injured reserve, will now be out indefinitely, and long-term, after undergoing surgery on his shoulder, the team announced. 

#CBJ announced D Erik Gudbranson underwent successful shoulder surgery on Monday.

GM Waddell: “While he will miss a significant amount of time, we know he will work extremely hard during his rehab and will continue to be an important part of our leadership group.”

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 22, 2024

Shoulder surgeries take many months of recovery time, but Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said of Gudbranson, "While he will miss a significant amount of time, we know he will work extremely hard during his rehab and will continue to be an important part of our leadership group.” 

The 32-year-old defenseman had played over 70 games each of the last three seasons for Columbus, and had been counted on for 20 minutes a night on average over that span, so he will leave a big void on the blueline.

The injury occurred one week ago, after a freak collision with teammate Sean Monahan during the team's home opener against the Florida Panthers on Oct. 15. 

A brutal season thus far for Columbus, who has also lost captain Boone Jenner and more recently Kent Johnson to long-term injuries as well. 

Last season, Gudbranson recorded a career-high 20 assists and 26 points in 78 games.