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Uh-oh, Johansen might be injured for Columbus, too

Michael Latta, Ryan  Johanse

Washington Capitals’ Michael Latta (46) and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Ryan Johansen (19) look for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)

AP

Columbus Blue Jackets injury updates almost feel as routine as breakfast in the morning, yet Ryan Johansen’s been able to avoid such a fate. At least, until now.

Johansen skipped Monday’s practice and is questionable for tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

“We’ll see how he feels (this morning),” Head coach Todd Richards said. “He’s got a little bit more (than soreness). We’ll know more (today).”

The good news is that it sounds like the 22-year-old’s issue isn’t serious, at least from what can be parsed from cryptic NHL injury updates. Richards told the Columbus Dispatch that he’s “banged up” and that the issue shouldn’t be long-term.

The Dispatch makes a guess at when he might have been injured:

Johansen slammed his left shin into the goal post during the third period of a 2-1 win over San Jose on Saturday after being tripped and slipping to the ice during a mini-break.

He got up, appeared to skate off the pain and was back for his next shift.

Not a whole lot has gone right for Columbus so far in 2014-15, yet Johansen hasn’t shown any rust since missing most of the preseason as his contract talks went south.

He has 20 points in 17 games played in making an empathic argument that his breakout 2013-14 season was a sign of big things to come (rather than a fluke).

While the Blue Jackets are getting healthier - Matt Calvert and Jack Skille practiced on Monday, for example - losing Johansen would hurt as much as any bruising moment so far. We’ll see if he can play tonight, although Columbus may be wise to play it safe with its rising star.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins