The Blue Jackets have made a pair of roster moves leading into today’s contest against Buffalo. The team announced that they’ve placed center Sean Kuraly on injured reserve retroactive to December 23; they’ve recalled defenseman Jake Christiansen from AHL Cleveland to take his place on the roster. Meanwhile, the team also revealed that blueliner Zach Werenski will miss four to six weeks with the ankle injury that landed him on IR yesterday.
Kuraly suffered an abdominal injury last weekend against Toronto and was recently listed as day-to-day. This placement suggests that he’ll miss the game against the Sabres but he will be eligible to return at any point after that due to the back-dating. The 30-year-old has 11 points and a team-leading 74 hits in 35 games so far this season while logging 13:29 per night.
As for Christiansen, this is his first recall of the season after clearing waivers back in training camp. The 24-year-old had been quite productive with the Monsters during his entry-level deal and that has continued into his fourth professional campaign as he has 22 points in 28 games so far. Despite the offensive success in the minors, that has yet to materialize into production at the top level as Christiansen has just five points in 32 career NHL appearances.
Werenski, meanwhile, will be a big loss for the next month for Columbus. He’s tied for the team lead in points with Johnny Gaudreau, picking up a goal and 24 assists while leading the way in playing time, logging over 24 minutes a night. Andrew Peeke took his place in the lineup last night against Toronto although they could opt to give Christiansen a look in that spot today.