It may not have been Santa Claus that climbed down the chimney at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, rather it was the injury bug wearing a Santa hat that invaded the home of the Blue Jackets over the holiday season and it took a big, long-term bite out of this team.Before Saturday night's game, we learned that Alexander Wennberg was going to be out for "a while" with an undisclosed injury, but we have now learned that he is suffering from a back problem and he is now expected to miss the next 4-to-6 weeks for his recovery.
In that game against Philadelphia on Saturday night, forward Cam Atkinson inadvertently blocked a Seth Jones shot in the offensive zone and that caused a broken bone in his foot. Atkinson was able to finish the game, but the prognosis is also 4-to-6 weeks, more likely on the lesser side, with the broken bone and this becomes a huge pair of losses in recent memory.
Neither Wennberg or Atkinson have been terribly impressive in the 2018 season, having collected 16 points in 30 games and 13 points in 32 games, respectively. Expectations were certainly much higher for these two players, as Wennberg was taken by Brenda & Seward in the 4th round, while Atkinson was taken by Steve in the 5th round. Wennberg currently ranks as a 10th round pick and will certainly fall further, just showing how much of a disappointment they have been.
Brenda & Seward will open the new week in 17th, 38 points from the money, while Steve has Atkinson and opens up Wednesday night in 24th, still 22 points clear of 25th place.
No comments:
Post a Comment