Werenski, who missed a significant portion of the previous season due to injury, had made a full recovery and prepared for this season. However, misfortune struck as he got injured in the Blue Jackets' season opener, colliding knee-on-knee with Hathaway. The prognosis indicates that Werenski will be sidelined for 1-2 weeks after being placed on the injured reserve.
While some expected top defensive prospect David Jiricek to start the season with the Blue Jackets, he remains young, exempt from waivers, and faces stiff competition for roster spots in the defense. Nonetheless, Jiricek is the first choice for a call-up, and there's the possibility that the Blue Jackets may opt for an 11-forward and seven-defenseman lineup in their next game to accommodate him.
While Werenski's injury is a significant setback for the Blue Jackets, it may not be as severe as his previous one. The team has a wealth of talented defensemen to fill the void for now, easing concerns of a repeat of the injury-ridden season experienced last year.
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