The Columbus Blue Jackets Expect Damon Severson Back Friday

The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently without three starting defenders: Dante Fabbro, Ivan Provorov, and Damon Severson, with Fabbro and Provorov on IR. The Blue Jackets did receive some good news as Severson appears ready to check into the lineup Friday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Damon Severson was enjoying a bounce-back season last year on the Blue Jackets’ top line with Zach Werenski. Severson shook off the inconsistencies that plagued him in the 2024-25 season.

Severson improved his numbers, including 55% on-ice shot attempts in 5-on-5. His defensive game was stellar all season until the end of March, when he sustained a shoulder injury in a game against the Montreal Canadiens.

In early April, Severson underwent surgery to repair the shoulder. He has missed the first two games of the season but put in the hard work in his rehab and is slightly ahead of his targeted return date.

Severson has returned to full practice and has been on ice with Werenski. If, for some unforeseen reason, Friday’s game does not work out, Severson would be a good bet to play Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues in St. Louis.

For the Blue Jackets, it is a relief to get a player so valuable to the defensive unit back on the ice.