Two key NHL defensemen suffer long-term injuries and will be sidelined for months
Tough news has emerged for defensemen Sean Durzi of the Utah Hockey Club & Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets as both are expected to miss significant time due to injuries. This will be a big setback for their teams early in the season.
Sean Durzi, a key player for Utah, is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be out for 4 to 5 months, according to Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff. Durzi got injured last weekend during a game against the New Jersey Devils after an awkward hit by Jonas Siegenthaler. Utah's GM, Bill Armstrong, confirmed the news earlier this week.
Durzi, 30, has been crucial for Utah, contributing two assists and even registering the team's first-ever fight against the Chicago Blackhawks this season. His absence will leave a big gap on Utah's blue line, where he plays a vital role in both leadership and offense. Last season with the Arizona Coyotes, Durzi had a standout year, posting a career-high 32 assists and 41 points in 76 games. He signed a four-year, $6 million contract with Utah, a deal that now becomes more challenging for the team as they navigate his long-term recovery.
Originally drafted 52nd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018 Durzi has been a solid NHL contributor racking up 108 points in 216 games with the Kings, Coyotes & Utah. His absence will force Utah to adapt quickly as his offensive contributions from the blue line will be sorely missed.
Meanwhile Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson is also expected to miss a significant amount of time due to an upper body injury. The 32 year old was placed on IR after a scary collision with Sean Monahan during the home opener vs the Florida Panthers. Gudbranson left the ice immediately holding his right arm & early reports from Frank Seravalli suggest he could be sidelined for months. A specialist will evaluate him on Friday to confirm the timeline.
Gudbranson has been a reliable presence for the Blue Jackets & is coming off a strong season where he played 78 games & set career highs with six goals, 20 assists & 26 points. So far this season he has averaged over 15 minutes of ice time per game providing solid defense with a +2 rating. His absence is a significant loss for Columbus as they search for consistency early in the season.
In his 13-year NHL career, Gudbranson has been a steady defenseman, playing 792 games and recording 133 points. He has played for multiple teams, including the Panthers, Canucks, Penguins, Ducks, Senators, Predators, and Flames, before joining the Blue Jackets. Now in the third year of his four-year, $4 million contract with Columbus, his absence creates a big gap in the team's defense.
Both Utah & Columbus are now facing big challenges. Utah must figure out how to replace Durzi's offensive production & leadership while Columbus will need to endure the loss of Gudbranson's physical presence & defensive skills. As these players recover their teams will likely turn to younger talent & depth players to fill the big void but there's no doubt these injuries will have a massive impact on both teams going forward.
| POLL | ||
18 OCTOBRE | 23 ANSWERS Two key NHL defensemen suffer long-term injuries and will be sidelined for months Which injury do you think is more impactful between Sean Durzi and Erik Gudbranson? | ||
| Sean Durzi | 8 | 34.8 % |
| Erik Gudbranson | 6 | 26.1 % |
| Not sure | 9 | 39.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
