Werenski leaves Blue Jackets season opener with knee injury

COLUMBUS — In a disappointing start to the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, with Zach Werenski leaving the game due to a quad contusion in his right knee during the second period.

At the 14:22 mark, Werenski was involved in a knee-on-knee collision with Garnet Hathaway, a forward for the Flyers, and had to be assisted off the ice.

Columbus coach Pascal Vincent provided some reassurance, stating that it was not a major injury and likened it to a charley horse.

Initially, Hathaway was penalized with a major penalty for kneeing, but after video review, it was downgraded to a minor penalty.

Boone Jenner, the captain of the Blue Jackets, expressed his concern, saying, “It was really tough to see. I’m not sure how he’s doing, but [he’s] a big piece here. He worked his [tail] off last year to get back to be with us, and it’s tough to see him going down, but hopefully he bounces back quick.”

Last season, Werenski had a limited appearance in only 13 games due to a torn labrum and separated shoulder, which he sustained in a game against the Flyers on November 10, 2022, ultimately requiring surgery later that month.

Throughout his career with the Blue Jackets, Werenski has accumulated impressive statistics, including 245 points (79 goals, 166 assists) in 417 regular-season games and 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 29 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

During Thursday’s game, Werenski managed one shot on goal in approximately 13 minutes and 43 seconds of ice time.

Adam Fantilli, a rookie forward for Columbus, sympathized with the situation, saying, “Obviously, you hate to see the best players go out like that. Tough play, didn’t have the puck. A great guy, great player. Hopefully it’s not too serious and he’s back on Saturday (against the New York Rangers).”