APRIL 18, 2021

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski underwent successful surgery on Wednesday, April 14, to repair an inguinal/sports hernia, club General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.  Recover time from the surgery, which was performed by Dr. John D. Leff at OhioHealth’s Knightsbridge Surgery Center, is expected to be six to eight weeks. 

Werenski, 23, tallied seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points with 13 penalty minutes in 35 games this season, leading club defensemen in goals and ranking second in points.  He also ranks second on the club, averaging 24:22 TOI per game. A 2017 Calder Trophy finalist and All-Rookie Team selection who made his All-Star Game debut in 2018, Werenski has registered 65-124-189 and 71 penalty minutes with a cumulative +13 plus/minus rating in 335 games during his five NHL seasons. 

In 2019-20, he set a club record and led all NHL blueliners in goals when he notched 20-21-41, 10 penalty minutes and was +9 in 63 outings.  The former University of Michigan standout was selected by Columbus in the first round, eighth overall, at the 2015 NHL Draft. 

The Blue Jackets return to action on Monday when they visit the Florida Panthers.  Puck drop at BB&T Center is set for 7 p.m. ET.  Live coverage on Bally Sports Ohio begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m.  All Blue Jackets games televised on Bally Sports Ohio will also be streamed live via the Bally Sports app.  The game may also be heard on the Eldorado Scioto Downs Blue Jackets Radio Network, including Sports Radio 97.1 FM in Columbus, and online at BlueJackets.com.

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