Kent Johnson Sustains Long-Term Injury for Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are facing a significant injury crisis early in the 2024-25 NHL season, with captain Boone Jenner and teammates Erik Gudbranson and Dmitri Voronkov already sidelined. Kent Johnson, the team's promising forward and fifth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has joined the injured list due to an upper-body injury sustained during a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres. Head coach Dean Evason confirmed that Johnson's injury is not short-term, although he did not provide a specific timeline for recovery. Johnson had been performing well, contributing five points in four games, making his absence particularly impactful. The team's injury woes have raised concerns among players and management, with defenseman Damon Severson describing the situation as 'eccentric' bad luck. As the Blue Jackets try to maintain momentum with a 2-2 record, their depth will be tested significantly in the coming weeks.