Blue Jackets prospect Jordan Dumais being evaluated for ‘lingering discomfort’ in both hips

After coming home from the World Juniors, one of the top prospects in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ system might be looking at some time off.

On Friday, the team confirmed a report that forward Jordan Dumais is heading to Columbus to be evaluated for lingering discomfort in both of his hips.

Dumais is returning to North America after playing in the WJC with Canada, scoring a goal and an assist before the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the eventual bronze medalists, Czechia. It was the former Selects Academy product’s first appearance with Team Canada.

The potential injury has been ongoing since before the tournament began. During an exhibition game in Oakville, Dumais was pulled for precautionary reasons. Head coach Alan Letang mentioned that the 2022 third-round pick had a hip flexor issue.

If Dumais were to miss any time, it would be a huge hit for the Halifax Mooseheads. The 19-year-old tore up the QMJHL last year, leading the league with 140 points, earning the Michel Brière Trophy for league MVP, and was named to a Canadian Hockey League First-Team All-Star. Dumais also scored scored 109 points during the 2021-22 season, earning CHL Sportsman of the Year honors as well.

Currently, the Mooseheads are tied for second in the league standings, 13 back of a strong Baie-Comeau Drakkar team. Dumais scored 16 goals and 31 assists in 21 games so far this season with Halifax.

In 193 career junior games, Dumais has scored 325 points, and is on pace to become the 51st player in QMJHL history to reach 400.

Dumais played on a Canadian team that included the potential No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Macklin Celebrini, but they were eliminated in the quarters at the World Juniors for the first time since 2019.