Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine picked up an ankle sprain and will therefore miss between three to four weeks of action, the team announced on Monday.
Laine injured his ankle during the Blue Jackets’ 3-4 victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday when he collided with teammate Cole Sillinger during the third period. While both players stated that they were fine following the collision, Laine was spotted limping following his team’s win.
This will be the 24-year-old forward’s seconded extended absence this season. He incurred an elbow injury during the Blue Jackets’ opening game, leading to a six game absence. As a result, Laine has only appeared in eight games this season, scoring two goals and four points.
Laine was also plagued by injury setbacks last season, missing out on games as a result of two separate injuries.
Currently bottom of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference with a record of 4-9, the Blue Jackets will be hoping to overcome their injury woes in an attempt to turn their season around. Joining Laine on the sidelines is Zach Werenski, who is out for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder issue, and Adam Boqvist, Nick Blankenburg, Jakub Voracek, and Sean Kuraly.
