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Kristian Huselius hurt again, this time out 4-6 months with torn pectoral muscle

Colorado Avalanche v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 11: Kristian Huselius #20 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on February 11, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Colorado 3-1. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

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Just when it looked like Kristian Huselius was going to overcome the ankle and hip injuries that caused him to miss 43 games last season, word out of Columbus is that he’s torn his pectoral muscle. This morning the Post-Dispatch put together an article explaining the importance of return this season; this afternoon it was announced that it will take 4-6 months to recover from this most recent injury. When it rains, it pours.

The details were delivered straight from Jackets’ GM Scott Howson’s twitter account:
“Tough news on Kristian Huselius. Out 4-6 months with torn pec muscle. Surgery tomorrow morning by our team doctor - Larry Watson.”

There’s no question the Jackets could have used the 32-year-old Swede in a top 6 role this season. The Jeff Carter acquisition has made plenty of headlines, but with Jakub Voracek headed to Philadelphia in the same trade the Blue Jackets still needed Huselius to make a full recovery. This morning, RJ Umberger and Huselius were penciled into left wing roles on the top 6 going into training camp. Now? Well, it didn’t take long for the speculation to begin.

“I would expect the Jackets to put Huselius on long term IR as soon as possible, freeing up salary to allow them to look for a free agent who could be plugged into a playmaking role in the top six. Options might include a 1 year deal for a veteran like Brendan Morrison, Cory Stillman, or Sergei Samsonov, or potentially making a trade.

On the other hand, this could also open up some options for players like Ryan Johansen, Derick Brassard, and Cam Atkinson.”


The news of Huselius’ most recent injury is the first bad news in an otherwise productive offseason for the Blue Jackets. They were able to acquire the top line center they’ve been looking for since the day they drafted Rick Nash. They traded for James Wisniewski’s negotiating rights, then successfully signed him to a long-term deal to help anchor their defensive corps. They re-signed defensive stalwart Marc Methot and acquired the productive (if not oft-injured) Radek Martinek in free agency. The organization had made the commitment to spend money and put a winner on the ice this season; yet injuries are one of those things that can’t be controlled. Even though GM Howson said they were done acquiring players in the offseason, he may take a look at the bargain basement deals available on the market for a short-term solution.

More likely, it will be time for young prospects to start fulfilling the potential they had when they were top 10 draft picks for the Columbus over the years. Ryan Johansen continued to progress with the Portland Winterhawks last season at center, while Derick Brassard will attempt to navigate an entire 82-game season without getting injured. If one of the young centers is the answer, they’ll have to learn a new position at the same time.

Obviously, the entire situation is less than ideal. But if they can get through the first few months of the season without falling too far behind in the standings, Huselius will be a great mid-season addition for a team that would welcome his creativity.