Blue Jackets’ Provorov, Fabbro, Severson out week-to-week; Lundestrom month-to-month
The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to be missing a few notable names when they drop the puck on the new season.
When speaking to the media on Thursday, Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness revealed that defensemen Ivan Provorov Dante Fabbro and Damon Severson are week-to-week due to injury. Forward Isac Lundestrom is also considered month-to-month.
Provorov is nursing a lower-body injury that he suffered in the team’s final preseason game. Against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, a shot hit the Russian blueliner in the left ankle, forcing him to leave the game early. Bowness added that Provorov is “heartbroken” to be missing the first game of the season. That’s even more true, given his durability. The 29-year-old hasn’t missed a game since the 2021-22 season, having appeared in all 82 games over the past four years, dating back to his time with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Provorov has scored 30 points each year with Columbus, including 31 last season.
Fabbro also got hurt in a preseason game against the Red Wings. The veteran suffered a hand fracture in the Blue Jackets’ first game after training camp back on Sept. 21, with initial reports citing that he could be out at least one month. Fabbro’s number took a dip after a solid 26-point performance in 2024-25, as the 28-year-old scored just five goals and 11 points in 74 games last season.
Severson hasn’t played a game since he suffered a shoulder injury in late March, with surgery forcing him on the shelf for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. While he has made strides in his recovery, the 32-year-old isn’t quite healthy enough to get back into game action. Prior to the injury, Severson was very productive for a Jackets team that tried to push for a playoff spot, posting 32 points in 71 games, his best performance since he was traded to Columbus by the New Jersey Devils in 2023.
In July, Lundestrom underwent successful surgery on his Achilles tendon. However, the recovery from an injury of that nature is extensive. The Blue Jackets hope the former Anaheim Duck will be available by early November. The 26-year-old posted four goals and 12 points in 68 games during the 2025-26 season.
The Blue Jackets open the new season on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
