The Columbus Blue Jackets sent veteran forward Brandon Dubinsky back to Columbus on Tuesday to deal with personal issues that have impacted his season and could put his playing career in jeopardy, sources told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.
The club had been staying in Las Vegas for four days ahead of Tuesday night's game. According to Portzline, the team declined to comment on the report and the Las Vegas Police Department did not have a police report involving Dubinsky.
Dubinsky's agent, Kurt Overhardt, later denied that his client was sent home as part of disciplinary action, explaining that the early departure from the team road trip was for medical reasons.
“He was sent home for medical diagnosis,” Overhardt said. “He's had several injuries this season. The club and my client decided that this was best. There are several issues we've been dealing with behind the scenes to get him healthy.”
.@BlueJacketsNHL say Brandon Dubinsky has left team to see a doctor; deny it’s a disciplinary measure although the two sides had a ‘conversation’ before he left for personal reasons. Team will not comment officially on the matter - one source told me “because we can’t.”
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) January 24, 2018
Dubinsky, who was stripped of his alternate-captain status for poor play earlier this season, has been sidelined since suffering a broken orbital bone in a fight with Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian last month.
The 31-year-old tallied three goals and nine assists across 31 games prior to the injury.
Columbus' road trip continues Thursday when the club takes on the Arizona Coyotes.
Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.