Damon Severson Nears Blue Jackets Return as Top-Pairing Option

Damon Severson’s return could give the Blue Jackets a needed lift in their own end. He took part in practice alongside Zach Werenski, and Columbus would like to have him back in the lineup this weekend. A season debut against Pittsburgh on Thursday is possible, though the team has not confirmed he’ll play.

The pairing at practice is an encouraging sign for a defense that has had to adjust without Severson. Dylan Tyrer reported the skate with Werenski on October 5, citing coach Rick Bowness’s indication the previous week that Columbus hoped to get the veteran back for the weekend. Full participation offers a clearer picture of his progress, but the lineup decision still depends on his readiness for game action.

A measured return after shoulder surgery

Severson has been out since injuring his shoulder on March 26. The injury required surgery, and his recovery kept him out of contact drills until late in training camp. Columbus has allowed him time to regain game shape before considering a return, even as the absence has forced the club to lean further into its defensive depth.

That caution makes sense for a player expected to handle a meaningful role. Skating at practice is a positive development, but it does not, by itself, confirm that he is ready for a full game. If Severson dresses, the next question will be how quickly he can settle back into the demands of regular competition after a lengthy rehabilitation.

Werenski’s partner could restore balance

Severson’s value to Columbus goes beyond adding another experienced defenseman. After a difficult adjustment during his first two seasons with the club, he delivered the kind of reliable play the team needed last year. He became an effective partner for Werenski, who went on to win the Norris Trophy. That pairing gave the Blue Jackets a dependable top option while allowing Werenski to play with support beside him.

The fit appeared particularly strong late in the season. Under Bowness, Severson recorded 15 points in 27 games, a productive stretch that showed how well his game could work within the coach’s approach. Those numbers don’t guarantee an immediate return to that level after surgery, but they underline why getting him back matters. Columbus has already seen what Severson can provide when he’s comfortable in the role.

The timing of his injury also sharpened the impact of his absence. After Severson left the lineup, the Blue Jackets went 2-7-1, dropping from second in the division and ultimately missing the playoffs. That record doesn’t establish that one injury alone decided the team’s season. It does show how difficult the stretch became as the club lost a key piece from its top pairing.

Mateychuk has filled in; the lineup may shift

Columbus has struggled to move the puck out of its own end early this season, and the blue line could benefit from Severson’s return. Denton Mateychuk has done strong work filling the opening, according to the source article, but a healthy Severson would give Bowness another experienced option for the top pair. It could also return Mateychuk to a different role, depending on how the coaching staff sets the combinations.

There may be a corresponding lineup change. The source article projects Jake Christiansen as the player who would come out if Severson returns, pointing to Christiansen’s average of 8:26 per game through the first two contests and the writer’s view that he has not secured the staff’s trust. That is analysis, not a confirmed lineup decision. Bowness will determine the defensive group once Severson’s availability is clear.

Severson has played 855 NHL games, and the article expects him to take on a workload of more than 20 minutes if he returns to a prominent role. Columbus would gain a veteran presence and another option beside Werenski, while Mateychuk’s work gives the club flexibility across the pairings. For now, Thursday against Pittsburgh is the immediate possibility to watch. Practice has made a return look closer; the final test is whether Severson is ready to play.