Blue Jackets Veteran Defenseman Out for Season After Shoulder Surgery

Damon Severson's injury is a major blow to Columbus' playoff push.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:28pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a hockey game, with players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and colors.A cubist interpretation of the Columbus Blue Jackets' defensive struggles as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.Philadelphia Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be without one of their top defensemen, Damon Severson, for the rest of the season after he underwent successful shoulder surgery. Severson's absence is a significant setback for the Blue Jackets, who are in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

Severson has been a consistent presence on the Blue Jackets' blue line, playing top-pair minutes alongside Zach Werenski. His injury leaves a void that the team will have to fill as they try to secure a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.

The details

Severson was injured during the Blue Jackets' recent 5-game losing streak, which has seen the team drop out of a playoff position. Head coach Rick Bowness will now have to decide how to replace Severson's minutes, with veteran Dante Fabbro likely to step into the top pairing alongside Werenski.

  • Severson underwent successful shoulder surgery on April 2, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets are currently tied with the Ottawa Senators for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Damon Severson

A veteran defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who will miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.

Zach Werenski

A top defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who will be counted on to lead the team's blue line in Severson's absence.

Dante Fabbro

A veteran defenseman who has been slotted into the top pairing to replace the injured Severson.

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets who will have to navigate the team's defensive pairings without Severson.

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What they’re saying

“Defenseman Damon Severson underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair an injured shoulder and will miss the rest of the season.”

— Columbus Blue Jackets, Team Update

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will need Dante Fabbro to step up and fill the void left by Severson's absence as the team fights to secure a playoff spot in the final games of the regular season.

The takeaway

Severson's injury is a significant blow to the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes, as they will be without one of their most consistent defensemen for the remainder of the season. The team will need to find a way to overcome this setback and rally around Zach Werenski and the rest of the blue line to keep their postseason dreams alive.