Blue Jackets' Provorov Out Week-to-Week With Lower-Body Injury
Ivan Provorov will miss Columbus' season opener against Buffalo and is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. The 29-year-old defenseman had never missed an NHL game because of injury in 778 career appearances, with his only prior absences coming from COVID-19 protocols in 2021-22. Columbus is also missing Damon Severson and Dante Fabbro week-to-week, while Isac Lundestrom is month-to-month after Achilles surgery.
Provorov, 29, will sit out Columbus’ opener versus Buffalo and is considered week-to-week. The lower-body issue occurred in the preseason finale at Detroit, where a shot struck his left ankle and ended his night early. Across 778 NHL appearances, he had never missed a game because of injury; his only three absences came under 2021-22 COVID-19 protocols with Philadelphia.
Columbus is also without Damon Severson (shoulder) and Dante Fabbro (upper body), both week-to-week, while Isac Lundestrom is month-to-month following July Achilles surgery. Provorov logged 24:49 per game last season and recorded 31 points in all 82 contests, leaving significant minutes for the Blue Jackets’ remaining defense.
Provorov’s absence, alongside other defensive injuries, may alter Columbus’ early-season performance and increase pressure on remaining players. Fans could see less familiar pairings and heavier minutes for Zach Werenski and newcomers. In a hockey city, short-term injury news can affect attendance, media attention, and fan optimism, though the impact is likely limited unless the team struggles.