The Columbus Blue Jackets have taken a hit just as their playoff push is heating up.
Defenceman Damon Severson is out for the season with a shoulder injury requiring surgery, the team announced on Friday.
Severson suffered the injury on March 26 against the Montreal Canadiens and has not played since.
He finished his season with eight goals and 24 assists over 71 games while averaging 21:04 in ice time, which ranks third on the team.
Severson, the 31-year-old from Melville, Sask., has played 855 games for his career between the Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils.
He exits for Columbus at a crucial time, with the team tied in the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Blue Jackets return to action Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT).
