Werenski exits loss to Capitals with upper-body injury
Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski couldn't finish Monday's matchup with the Washington Capitals due to an upper-body injury, the team announced.
It's unclear when the injury occurred. The Blue Jackets ruled out Werenski and teammate Mathieu Olivier before the start of the third period.
Blue Jackets head coach said postgame that it was too early to determine the extent of Werenski's injury, per NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.
Werenski entered the contest fresh off being named the NHL's second star of the week. He's tied for third among defensemen with 21 points this season and ranks second in average ice time at 26:50 per game.
The 28-year-old was the Norris Trophy runner-up last season and is a front-runner to be selected to the USA's Olympic team in February.
The Capitals won the contest 5-1.