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A fractured, cubist interpretation of a high-stakes hockey matchup, reflecting the Blue Jackets’ need to reconstruct their defensive pairings in the wake of an injury.Columbus Today
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a major blow with the season-ending shoulder surgery for defenseman Damon Severson. As the team searches for answers to try to salvage their playoff hopes, the author argues that now is the time to pair young blue-liner Denton Mateychuk with star Zach Werenski on the top defensive pairing.
Why it matters
The Blue Jackets have struggled since Severson’s injury, losing four straight games. Pairing Mateychuk with Werenski could provide a boost, as Mateychuk has quietly been one of the team’s most effective defensemen this season despite playing fewer minutes. Putting the two best defensemen together could also help balance out the rest of the lineup.
The details
Severson was having his best season with the Blue Jackets, playing mostly on the top pairing alongside Werenski. With no other right-shot defensemen on the NHL roster, the team has been forced to experiment with different pairings, none of which have worked well. The author believes Mateychuk, a left-shot who can play the right side, is the best option to pair with Werenski, as he can think the game at Werenski’s level while playing a reliable two-way game.
Damon Severson underwent shoulder surgery on April 2, 2026, and will miss the rest of the season.The Blue Jackets have lost four straight games since Severson’s injury.
The players
Damon Severson
A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who was having his best season with the team before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
Zach Werenski
One of the game’s most elite defensemen, playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Denton Mateychuk
A young defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who has been one of the team’s most effective blue-liners this season despite playing fewer minutes.
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What’s next
The Blue Jackets will need to decide whether to pair Mateychuk with Werenski on the top defensive pairing in the wake of Severson’s injury.
The takeaway
With their top defenseman out for the season, the Blue Jackets should take the opportunity to give young Denton Mateychuk a chance to play alongside star Zach Werenski on the top pairing. This could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s struggling defense and help balance out the lineup.