Erik Gudbranson Out Indefinitely Following Shoulder Surgery
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson will be out indefinitely after having shoulder surgery. He underwent the procedure on Monday. Gudbranson hurt his right shoulder last week in a game against Florida when he collided with teammate Sean Monahan. The big blue-liner lacks fantasy value, but he plays an important role for the Blue Jackets in defense and on the penalty kill. Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason said several players have to "step up" to compensate for Gudbranson's loss. David Jiricek has been Gudbranson's replacement in the lineup. He has notched one assist with one block and two hits in his first two outings of the campaign.
Erik Gudbranson Suffers An Upper-Body Injury In Tuesday's Loss
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson suffered an upper-body injury in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Florida. He exited the game near the end of the second period following a collision with teammate Sean Monahan. Gudbranson appeared to be holding his right arm. "I can tell you, it doesn't look good," Blue Jackets head coach Dave Evason said abound Gudbranson's injury. It looks like the punishing blue-liner will be forced to miss some time because of the injury. Gudbranson sits on three blocks and three hits through two games this season. David Jiricek is the likeliest candidate to fill in for him on Columbus' third defensive pairing. Jiricek has more offensive upside, but it will be difficult for him to make an impact with limited minutes on the bottom pairing.
Erik Gudbranson To Sit Out Thursday's Preseason Game
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (lower body) is set to miss a second consecutive preseason game on Thursday versus Pittsburgh. It's been reported that Gudbranson is dealing with a "minor" lower-body injury, so he could still be fine for the start of the regular season. Gudbranson will begin his third campaign in Columbus. The 32-year-old had a career year offensively last season with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 78 games. A repeat of it looks highly unlikely, as Gudbranson hadn't previously even hit the 20-point plateau in 10-plus years in the league. However, fantasy managers can expect plenty of blocks and hits from Gudbranson.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (lower body) will be in the lineup Monday versus Dallas. His status for the game was uncertain after he missed Sunday's practice session, but the 31-year-old will be good to go. Gudbranson has no points in eight outings this season, but he's been a blocking machine for the Blue Jackets, registering 26 blocked shots. He has also recorded seven hits with 10 shots on goal, nine penalty minutes, and a minus-three rating, playing on Columbus' bottom defensive pairing.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (shoulder) has been ruled out for six weeks, meaning he has played his final game of the 2022-23 season. He suffered a separated shoulder last Friday in a game against the Islanders. Gudbranson's offensive impact remained limited this season, with the 31-year-old registering only 13 points in 71 games, but Columbus will miss his physical presence. Gudbranson recorded 119 hits and 137 blocks, while also picking up 57 penalty minutes. Columbus also lost Nick Blankenburg (ankle) from the blue line over the weekend, which means bigger roles for the likes of Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peeke for the rest of the way.
Erik Gudbranson
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