Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson undergoes shoulder surgery

COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 15: Erik Gudbranson #44 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates after the puck during the game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on October 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)

by: Orri Benatar

Posted: Oct 22, 2024 / 12:48 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 22, 2024 / 12:50 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the key defensemen for the Columbus Blue Jackets will miss a significant amount of time this season after having surgery.

Erik Gudbranson underwent successful shoulder surgery after sustaining the injury in last week’s home opener against the Florida Panthers, the team announced on Wednesday. The 32-year-old defenseman is on Columbus’ injured reserve list and will go through a rehab treatment to return to the ice.

“While he will miss a significant amount of time, we know he will work extremely hard during his rehab and will continue to be an important part of our leadership group, said Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell.

Gudbranson joined the Blue Jackets in 2022 and has played over 150 games for Columbus. The likes of Jack Johnson, David Jiricek, and Jordan Harris could see more ice time during Gudbranson’s absence.

The Jackets have started the season with two wins and three losses and return to the ice Wednesday night as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:30 p.m. Columbus sits in second-to-last place in the Metropolitan Division. The team will play one more time this week when they travel to play the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.