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Boone Jenner injury update: Blue Jackets delivered big blow with regard to captain's availability
After suffering a shoulder injury in practice last week, Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has undergone successful surgery in Colorado.
Blue Jackets' president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell broke the news on Thursday morning, revealing that Jenner will begin his rehab routine soon.
Despite that, he is out indefinitely, with Waddell explaining that the hope is Jenner will be able to return before the end of the season. In the meantime, the Blue Jackets will attempt to fill the void left by the captain's absence when they face off with the Minnesota Wild in Thursday's season opener.
Waddell was quoted in the team's announcement, released via NHL.com, as saying:
“Boone Jenner had successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday. He’ll begin his rehabilitation very soon and our hope is he can return before the end of the season.
"His loss will be felt by our club, but we have a strong leadership group in place and players will be given an opportunity to take on greater roles on and off the ice.”
Given Boone Jenner's absence in the months to come, coach Dean Evason will have his work cut out for him as he works to fill the void left by the center's absence.
Looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets lines without captain Boone Jenner
Last season, Boone Jenner logged 35 points (22 goals, 13 assists) over 58 games until a broken jaw derailed his season. While the team missed the playoffs, there was optimism that this season would yield a better turnout.
Despite that, the team is dealing with a number of injuries. Forward Gavin Brindley is currently on Injured Reserve due to a broken finger sustained during the preseason. Dmitri Voronkov, who sustained an upper-body injury during the preseason as well, is also on that list.
At the same time, Justin Danforth is facing a lengthy layoff of his own while recovering from offseason wrist surgery.
Of course, in addition to the injury issues plaguing the Blue Jackets, the team is still reeling from the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. This has left a hole in the collective hearts of team members and staff.
With Boone Jenner being the latest addition to the list of injured players, the expectation is that Sean Monahan will start at the center position. Adam Fantilli is likely to serve as the second-line center.
Cole Sillinger will then serve as the third-line center, with Sean Kuraly handling fourth-line center responsibilities. Following Thursday's game, the team will then be back in action on Saturday for a road game against the Colorado Avalanche, before then playing their home opener on Tuesday against the Panthers.
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