NHL Update: Erik Gudbranson returns to Columbus Blue Jackets after long hip injury absence

After a long absence, Erik Gudbranson is now almost ready to put on the Blue Jackets jersey again. The Columbus Blue Jackets have brought the experienced defenseman back from the injured list, paving the way for him to play against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Coming back after a long rehabilitation, the coming back of the player's return is now considered as giving the team a familiar face instead of rushing him back.

The Blue Jackets have confirmed the return of Gudbranson from injured reserve, and he will likely play. The 34-year-old has not been on the ice since the end of October due to chronic hip problems that required a long time off. His non-participation brought about a reshuffling of Columbus’s defensive combinations in their attempt to hold their own, and now the return of Gudbranson seems like a planned move rather than just a pushing back of the deadline.

What does Erik Gudbranson’s return mean for Columbus Blue Jackets’ defense?

On November 6, defenseman Erik Gudbranson was placed on injured reserve, missing 38 games in a row, which makes him the longest absent player on the team. During his very brief stay on the ice, he was given a minus-two rating, with an average of almost 15 minutes of ice time being his average. However, his contribution was never intended to be in the offensive area. The Blue Jackets appreciate him for his physical strength and capability to keep the situation calm in his zone.
This reappearance also has a significant personal meaning. The previous season was another tough one since Gudbranson could participate in only 16 games after undergoing shoulder surgery. Now that he is in the last year of his $4 million contract, which was signed in July 2022, the veteran player will be determined to make a significant contribution, especially in the final part of the season.

Columbus is coming into this game with a record of 20 wins, 19 losses, and 7 overtime defeats, which puts them in the seventh position in the Metropolitan Division, and they are seven points behind a wild-card spot.

The return of Gudbranson will not have an immediate impact on the standings, but it will provide the Blue Jackets with something they have been missing for a long time: a solid and known character on the defense. Sometimes, that is more important than the stats.

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