Patrik Laine injury update

The Columbus Blue Jackets received concerning news today, as star winger Patrik Laine is expected to miss the next six weeks with a fractured clavicle.

Laine suffered the injury during the second period of last night’s thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The scene was scary for Blue Jackets fans, as Laine had to leave the ice in obvious pain after an awkward collision with Leafs defenseman William Lagesson.

Replays showed Lagesson appearing to slewfoot Laine, causing him to crash dangerously into the boards. Laine immediately grabbed his left shoulder and headed to the Columbus locker room.

This is a massive loss for a Blue Jackets squad already dealing with injuries to key players like Boone Jenner and Adam Boqvist. Laine had started to heat up recently, recording points in five of his last six contests. His scoring touch will be sorely missed during this six-week absence.

In total, the 25-year-old Finn has amassed nine points (6 goals, 3 assists) in 18 games this campaign. While not eye-popping numbers, Laine seemed to be turning a corner after early-season struggles.

Unfortunately, injuries have become all too familiar for the former 2nd overall pick. Dating back to his time in Winnipeg, Laine has battled numerous ailments that have cost him significant playing time. Last season alone, the sharpshooting winger missed over 25 games for the Blue Jackets.

Columbus now faces the daunting task of keeping its playoff hopes alive without two of its best offensive weapons in Laine and Jenner. Other forwards like Johnny Gaudreau, Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger will be counted on to shoulder more of the scoring load. Meanwhile, Laine will be working hard to return fully healthy sometime in February.