Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan has wrist injury setback, return postponed additional 6-8 weeks

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Saturday that center Sean Monahan’s return from a wrist injury has been pushed back an additional six-to-eight weeks.

Monahan was originally added to the injured reserve January 9, while Saturday’s setback means he will not return to the lineup until mid-to-late March, reports Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Through 41 appearances this season, Monahan has shined with point-per-game production counting 14 goals and 27 assists. Skating in his first season in Columbus after agreeing to a five-year, $5.5-million per year deal in unrestricted free agency, Monahan has rediscovered the high-level offense he displayed in the earlier portion of his career.

In all, counting stops with the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, and Blue Jackets, Monahan has totaled 805 appearances in which he has collected 258 goals and 321 assists for 579 points. The 30-year-old Brampton, Ont., native split the 2023-24 campaign between the Canadiens and Jets, totaling 59 points counting 26 goals and 33 assists through 83 appearances. Monahan was originally chosen sixth overall by the Flames in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Now sidelined, Monahan joins a crowded injured reserve in Columbus that already counts defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who has missed all but three games this season due to a shoulder ailment, as well as captain Boone Jenner, who has yet to play in 2024-25 after undergoing shoulder surgery during training camp. The Blue Jackets, however, did see some positive light on the injury front Saturday as Jenner participated in the club’s morning skate, indicating that his return from injury is nearing.

Entering Saturday’s contest against the Los Angeles Kings, the Blue Jackets sit 23-19-7 on the season to hold down the second wildcard position in the Eastern Conference with 53 points. The Blue Jackets have failed to qualify for the postseason each of the past four years.