Defenseman Zach Werenski was ruled out for the remainder the Columbus Blue Jackets' season opener Thursday after suffering a quad contusion, the team announced.
Werenski was helped off the ice after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway, who was assessed a two-minute minor for kneeing.
Zach Werenski leaves the game following a scary knee-on-knee collision with Garnet Hathaway.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 13, 2023
Hathaway was given a 2-minute minor for kneeing on the play. pic.twitter.com/X01AzYFR55
Thursday marked Werenski's first game since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in November 2022.
Werenski produced three goals and five assists in 13 games last season. The 26-year-old is averaging 48 points per 82 contests over his career.
The Blue Jackets' No. 1 D-man is in the second campaign of a six-year, $57.5-million contract he signed in 2021. Werenski's $9.58-million cap hit is the third-highest among NHL defensemen this season.
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