James Wisniewski out for six weeks, Columbus Blue Jackets could face more suffering -NHL Special
Columbus is not having a good time in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season so far and with the recent news of their top defenseman, James Wisniewski, going out for six weeks due to an ankle injury, the future does not seem to be so bright
anymore.
Wisniewski was announced to remain out after leaving their game against Dallas Stars when he blocked the puck on Thursday, but it came out officially a day later on Friday, December 30, 2011, that the player will be expected to take at least six weeks before
he could be deemed ready for a comeback.
After consultation with Dr. Larry Watson, Columbus’ team physician, Blue Jackets general manager, Scott Howson, announced the news via social networking website, Twitter, that the player would not be requiring surgery but would be missing multiple weeks
in order to recover from the injury.
At the moment, the Columbus Blue Jackets are sitting at the last position not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire league with 25 points and a disappointing 10-23-5 record, which certainly has them back where they left off during the previous
2010-2011 NHL regular season.
In his first season with the team after signing on to a six-year deal worth an estimated $33 million, James Wisniewski has certainly not been able to perform the way both him and the team were hoping for.
In the past 29 games he managed to play following a eight-game suspension entering the season, Wisniewski has 17 points (2 goals, 15 assists) with a plus-minus rating of -18 and 25 points in penalty time.
There have been many issues surrounding the player which not have only hampered his performance and growth as one of the best defenders in the league but the teams’ as well.
Columbus does not have a wide range of defenders to select from this time around to fill the wide gap left by Wisniewski, but they definitely have the option of trading for another all-rounder.
Jeff Carter, a former top level Philadelphia Flyers’ offensive player, was also acquired by Columbus earlier last year during the offseason, but still is yet to perform up to expectations.
Settling on the team has been an issue for many newly acquired players this season, which could force Columbus to initiate a deal with some teams around the league in order to try something else.
Columbus should at the moment, look into different options so that they could bring some players in that would actually change the team dynamics instead of just using up time on the ice.
The Blue Jackets also brought in a new coach, Scott Arniel, but that too has not showed any noticeable difference so far, putting his career in jeopardy.
Columbus ended December by having won only four matchups throughout the month, which is a new low for a team that is looking to make it into the playoffs.
In order to fill in the gap for Wisniewski, Blue Jackets have recalled defenseman, David Savard, from their affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Springfield Falcons.
Not having James Wisniewski on the line-up for the upcoming six weeks will obviously have the Blue Jackets striving even harder for a victory than they already are which could have them going even further down in the rankings.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: