Blue Jackets’ Kris Russell sprains knee during practice
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ defence corps took a hit as Kris Russell suffered a knee sprain during practice.
According to Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson, the defenceman’s injury requires an MRI scan, and will cause him to miss two to four weeks of action.
Russell suffered the injury on one of his first shifts during the practice. He had hopped over the leg of teammate Derick Brassard, who had been skating near him. However, when he landed,
Russell said he felt a tweak in his knee.
Blue Jackets head coach Scott Arniel had seen the play transpire, and said that there had been nothing wrong with the play.
“It was a real innocent play,” Arniel said. “He (Russell) shifted all of his weight from one side and jumped over Brass’ back foot and put all of his weight on his right leg and he felt
a little something. He kept going, but he obviously knew there was something wrong.”
The 23-year-old native of Red Deer, Alberta scored seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 70 games last season. He was a plus-three on a Blue Jackets team that failed to qualify for
the post-season, finishing the regular season with 79 points. They placed fifth in the Central Division of the National Hockey League’s Western Conference.
Russell was drafted in the third round (67th overall) by the Blue Jackets in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The 5ft 10in defender made his NHL debut in the 2007-08 season, and scored 10 points
(2G, 8A) in 67 games.
On the international stage, Russell represented Canada at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in 2006 and 2007, winning gold medals in both tournaments. He also participated in the
2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Germany, where Canada finished in seventh place.
In 203 career games in the NHL, Russell has scored 11 goals and 42 assists for 53 points.
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