Damon Severson Undergoes Shoulder Surgery; Blue Jackets Defender Out for Season

Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson will miss the final six games of the NHL season following a successful shoulder surgery on Thursday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on Thursday, April 4, officially concluding his inaugural campaign with the franchise. The veteran blueliner finishes the 2023-24 schedule with eight goals and 24 assists, totaling 32 points across 71 appearances. This Damon Severson surgery follows an upper-body injury sustained during the third period of a road matchup against the Montreal Canadiens on March 26. The specific physical sequence occurred when the defender absorbed a heavy shoulder-to-shoulder hit delivered by Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc, forcing an immediate exit from the contest.

Severson served as a primary workhorse for the Ohio-based defensive corps prior to this medical procedure. He currently ranks third on the roster in average ice time, logging 21:04 per night. Among all active Blue Jackets defensemen, his 24 helpers and 32 total points place him second in scoring for that specific position group. His absence leaves a significant void in the rotation as the club enters the final stretch of the regular season with only six games remaining on the calendar. The 29-year-old had been a fixture on the power play and penalty kill units, demonstrating versatility that will be difficult to replicate during the upcoming week of play.

The timing of the Damon Severson surgery coincides with a difficult stretch for the organization on the ice. Columbus has dropped five consecutive games, stalling their momentum in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race. Despite the recent skid, the Blue Jackets remain mathematically tied with the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators for the second wild-card position. Every point in the final six matchups will determine if the club can break out of this three-way deadlock to secure a postseason berth. The team currently sits at 74 points, trailing the Philadelphia Flyers for the third spot in the Metropolitan Division by a narrow margin.

Losing a player who contributes over 21 minutes of ice time per night forces a tactical shift for the coaching staff. Severson was one of the most consistent offensive contributors from the back end, trailing only Zach Werenski in total production this year. His ability to facilitate the transition game was evidenced by his 24 helpers, a mark that remains the second-highest among the team's defenders. With the 71-game veteran now sidelined, the Blue Jackets must find a way to replace his heavy workload and puck-moving capabilities while attempting to snap their current five-game losing streak against upcoming Eastern Conference opponents.

Statistically, the blueliner's impact extended beyond the scoresheet, as he blocked 94 shots and recorded 48 hits before the injury occurred. His shooting percentage finished at 6.2% for the year, based on 129 shots on goal. The recovery timeline suggests he will be fully prepared for the start of training camp in September. In the interim, younger prospects from the Cleveland Monsters are expected to receive elevated roles to fill the 21-minute gap in the nightly lineup. This roster move marks the 14th different defensive pairing combination used by the team this season due to various health setbacks.