The Blue Jackets Lose Veteran Defenseman Ahead Of Playoff Push
The Columbus Blue Jackets are aiming for a spot in the 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoffs. For a team that hasn't seen significant time in the postseason since 2020, they want more.
Hence, the hiring of head coach Rick Bowness, and a reset of expectations from someone who has led plucky teams to the playoffs before (Winnipeg Jets).
They'll have to make their run to the 2026 playoffs without one defenseman in tow, as they have lost blueliner Damon Severson for the rest of the season, per the Columbus Dispatch.
Severson injured his shoulder in the third period during the March 26th game against the Montreal Canadiens, which saw the team lose 2-1 in the Bell Centre.
Severson had lined up Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc for a shoulder-to-shoulder hit in the left-wing corner of the Blue Jackets' zone. After he made contact, Severson immediately recoiled. He left the ice shortly afterward for medical treatment and never returned.
The Severson-Era In Columbus: Middling
The veteran defenseman has long been a vital role player on the Blue Jackets' defense since he arrived after being traded for a 3rd-round pick in 2023 from the New Jersey Devils.
He'd sign a long-term contract after being dealt to Columbus, signing for an average annual value of $6.25 million, with a total value of $50 million.
This isn't the John Tortorella era of hockey in Columbus, but Bowness is as eager to put them on the right path. Being a man down will make that endeavour particularly difficult.
"He's a smart defenseman. It seems like he makes great passes out of the zone all the time," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He doesn't need to be flashy. He's just effective but he's effective on both sides of the puck. He's a good defender as well.
His tenure with the Blue Jackets hasn't been a great success, but it has been a story of a middling team that has been wrought with lineup changes and coaching changes since John Tortorella's dismissal. We've seen Brad Larsen, Pascal Vincent, and Dean Evason funnel through the pipeline, with no success.
Severson could've been a vital piece in the postseason, should they find a way into the playoffs.
The team will have to exercise the next-man-up mentality to persevere through what could be a rough postseason push.
Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
