hejda

[puckhogg]

from puckrakers...

Blue Jackets defenseman Jan Hejda is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a sprained left knee, The Dispatch has learned.

Hejda was injured with 1:24 remaining in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Calgary in Nationwide Arena, when he and Flames winger Curtis Glencross inadvertantly collided -- left knee on left knee -- as they crossed through the slot in the Flames' end.

He skated off the ice under his own power, but was limping badly on his way to the dressing room after the game.

It's a huge blow for the Blue Jackets, who already are without defenseman Mike Commodore because of a groin injury. Hejda and Commodore formed the Blue Jackets No. 1 defensive pair last season.

Hejda has a plus-8 rating in five games this season, tied with Dallas Nicklas Grossman for tops in the NHL. He was averaging 21:45 ice time per game, second on the club to defenseman Fedor Tyutin.

In two-plus seasons with the Blue Jackets, Hejda has missed only one regular-season game and one playoff game.

Mathieu Roy will likely take Hejda's spot in the lineup, beginning Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings in Nationwide Arena.

-- Aaron Portzline

[Nate]

This is not good news.

[CBJfan14]

Not good news at all... he has been spectacular. 

now the bright side, we have already seen Roy play and he was more than competent to play with the big club. Not like we are calling someone up who will be a major question mark. 

[gregin120]

Wow.  That really, really sucks.  We need Commodore back in a bad way.  Even with him back, this is going to put some real pressure on Tyutin and Klesla to pick up some of the slack.  And it is going to create opportunity for guys like Roy, Methot and Stralman.  

I just changed my jersey avatar to Hejda yesterday afternoon.  I think that might qualify as a Tuskin-like jinx.

[Nate]

Wow.  That really, really sucks.  We need Commodore back in a bad way.  Even with him back, this is going to put some real pressure on Tyutin and Klesla to pick up some of the slack.  And it is going to create opportunity for guys like Roy, Methot and Stralman. 

I just changed my jersey avatar to Hejda yesterday afternoon.  I think that might qualify as a Tuskin-like jinx.

Tuskin-jinx, that's funny. 

[CORUPTWJ]

That that is not good news for us.  Our defensive line is our weakest point and this just makes it a little weaker.  I hope for a speedy recovery for him.

[puckhogg]

Wow.  That really, really sucks.  We need Commodore back in a bad way.  Even with him back, this is going to put some real pressure on Tyutin and Klesla to pick up some of the slack.  And it is going to create opportunity for guys like Roy, Methot and Stralman. 

I just changed my jersey avatar to Hejda yesterday afternoon.  I think that might qualify as a Tuskin-like jinx.

gotta bang your rep on that one

[perfectstranger]

 

$#%@$ #$*

[CanadianJacketsFan]

big loss, Hejda is one of the best defensive defensmen in the league, he just does his work in silence

and Nate is there a way to change Stralman from 5 to 6, he's changed his number

[gregin120]

gotta bang your rep on that one

What rep?

[TheFiveHoleExpress]

  for pity sake....and a good comment

[TheFiveHoleExpress]

I dont think things are as dire as it seems. I think Roy will do great, i think he will bring some added fire power, he looks to have a little better puck moving ability than Hejda. ALL IS NOT LOST CBJ faithful. Lets see what happens over the next few games.

[Nate]

and Nate is there a way to change Stralman from 5 to 6, he's changed his number

I'm waiting for it to be  updated.  When it is I'll replace it. 

[Nate]

I dont think things are as dire as it seems. I think Roy will do great, i think he will bring some added fire power, he looks to have a little better puck moving ability than Hejda. ALL IS NOT LOST CBJ faithful. Lets see what happens over the next few games.

I don't think everyone believes the wheels will fall off but it is a bit unnerving for this to happen after such a great start. 

I hope you're my friend, in that we don't miss a beat!  Our depth is definitely being tested in the early part of the season.

[Crede777]

Hejda was definitely a huge factor in blocked shots.  Hopefully Mase and Garon can stand up to the task (not to mention Klesla, Tyutin, Methot, Stralman and Roy).