COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets have assigned their All-Star defenseman, Zach Werenski, to the injured reserve (IR) list due to a lower-body ailment.
The team confirmed that this move is retroactive, making the effective date December 20th.
Werenski, who has been a statistical powerhouse this season, currently ranks second among all NHL defensemen in both goals (14) and points (40). He suffered the lower-body injury late in the December 20th contest against the Anaheim Ducks. Although placed on IR, Columbus lists his immediate status as day-to-day. A testament to his importance, Werenski is also second among all players in the league regarding average ice time, clocking in at an intensive 26 minutes and 48 seconds per game.
Roster Corresponding Move:
In a related roster change, forward Mathieu Olivier has been activated from injured reserve. Olivier missed 13 games after sustaining an upper-body injury during a game in Washington on November 24. This season, he has recorded three goals and nine points through 23 appearances.
Gareth Tenby 
Duncan Priestley