Werenski out 1-2 weeks after knee-on-knee with Hathaway
Warning: Story contains coarse language
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is set to miss one-to-two weeks with a quad contusion after colliding with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway during Thursday's season opener, the team announced.
The Blue Jackets recalled David Jircek from the AHL in a corresponding move.
Werenski was helped off the ice by teammates after the hit behind the net. Hathaway was assessed a two-minute minor for kneeing.
Zach Werenski leaves the game following a scary knee-on-knee collision with Garnet Hathaway.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 13, 2023
Hathaway was given a 2-minute minor for kneeing on the play. pic.twitter.com/X01AzYFR55
Blue Jackets teammate Erik Gudbranson wasn't a fan of the play.
"It was fucking dirty," Gudbranson said.
Hathaway avoided suspension but was fined $5,000 by the NHL Department of Player Safety.
Thursday marked Werenski's first game since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in November 2022.
Werenski produced three goals and five assists in 13 games last season. The 26-year-old is averaging 48 points per 82 contests over his career.
The Blue Jackets' No. 1 D-man is in the second campaign of a six-year, $57.5-million contract he signed in 2021. Werenski's $9.58-million cap hit is the third-highest among NHL defensemen this season.