Blue Jackets’ Seth Jones out 4-6 weeks with MCL sprain

Columbus Blue Jackets defender Seth Jones skates against the Carolina Hurricanes. (Gerry Broome/AP)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Seth Jones will be sidelined four to six weeks with a knee injury.

The team says the 23-year-old Jones sprained his knee during the second period of Tuesday night’s preseason game against Buffalo. An MRI on Wednesday revealed the sprain.

It’s a huge blow for the Blue Jackets, with Jones’ defensive line mate Zach Werenski recovering from a shoulder injury and defenceman Ryan Murray also hampered by an injury.

Jones was a valuable contributor last season with 16 goals and 41 assists.

The Blue Jackets open the regular season Oct. 4 at Detroit, then play their home opener the next night against Carolina.

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