COLUMBUS — The Blue Jackets received some welcome news Friday when defenseman Damon Severson returned to the lineup following offseason shoulder surgery. Considering the injuries Columbus has already endured on its blue line, his return couldn't have come at a much better time.
Severson made an immediate impact, recording a goal and an assist in the Blue Jackets' 3-2 shootout victory over Pittsburgh. It was an encouraging performance from a player who underwent shoulder surgery in April and missed Columbus' first two games of the new season.
Unfortunately, Columbus still has plenty of work to do defensively.
The Blue Jackets followed Friday's victory with a 5-3 loss to St. Louis on Saturday, blowing an early two-goal lead and dropping to 2-2 on the season. The result highlighted the inconsistencies that head coach Rick Bowness has been trying to address with a roster that includes several new faces.
Severson Makes an Immediate Impact
Severson wasted little time reminding Columbus what it had been missing.
Playing alongside Zach Werenski on the Blue Jackets' top defensive pairing, Severson opened the scoring against Pittsburgh before adding an assist on Mathieu Olivier's second-period goal.
The 32-year-old defenseman was a dependable contributor last season, recording eight goals and 24 assists in 71 games while posting a plus-18 rating. He also averaged more than 21 minutes of ice time per game, providing Columbus with a veteran capable of handling significant defensive responsibilities.
His absence late last season was particularly unfortunate as the Blue Jackets were battling for a playoff spot.
Now back in the lineup, Severson gives Bowness another experienced option on a defensive unit that has been forced to adjust almost immediately.
His partnership with Werenski should also help provide some stability. Werenski remains Columbus' most important defenseman, but having a reliable partner alongside him could make a considerable difference over the course of the season.
Injuries Continue to Create Problems
Severson's return was encouraging, but Columbus remains without two other important defensemen.
Ivan Provorov is sidelined with a lower-body injury suffered during the preseason. The veteran was placed on injured reserve and is considered week-to-week after appearing in all 82 games last season.
Provorov averaged nearly 25 minutes per game in 2025-26, making his absence particularly difficult to overcome. Losing a defenseman who handles that much ice time forces the coaching staff to distribute additional responsibilities throughout the lineup.
Dante Fabbro is also unavailable because of a hand injury suffered during the preseason. His absence further complicates Bowness' plans, leaving the Blue Jackets without two established defenders while they attempt to develop chemistry early in the season.
Columbus has relied on combinations featuring Carson Soucy, Denton Mateychuk, Emil Andrae, and Erik Gudbranson to fill out its defensive pairings.
There is talent throughout that group, but developing consistency takes time, particularly when players are adjusting to different partners and responsibilities.
Severson's return helps, but it doesn't eliminate the challenges created by those injuries.
Saturday's Loss Exposed Familiar Problems
The Blue Jackets appeared to be in excellent shape early against St. Louis.
Valeri Nichushkin and Kent Johnson scored first-period goals, giving Columbus a 2-0 advantage entering the second period. However, the Blues responded with three consecutive goals, turning a promising start into a 3-2 deficit.
Columbus managed to tie the game in the third period on a goal from Cole Sillinger, but St. Louis regained the lead less than three minutes later before adding an empty-net goal.
The Blue Jackets outshot St. Louis 10-4 in the first period but managed just 13 shots over the final 40 minutes. It was a particularly troubling reversal after Columbus had controlled much of the opening period.
It's the kind of inconsistency that can quickly become a problem for a team trying to establish itself as a playoff contender.
Columbus has shown the ability to generate offense and control games for stretches, but maintaining that level of play throughout all three periods remains a concern.
Bowness was particularly frustrated with the team's mental mistakes and declining intensity after Saturday's game. His criticism reflected the same issues he's been trying to address since taking over behind the bench.
A Defense Still Finding Its Identity
Four games aren't enough to draw definitive conclusions about a hockey team, particularly one adjusting to a new coach and several offseason additions.
However, the Blue Jackets cannot afford to wait indefinitely for their defensive structure to come together.
Severson's return should help stabilize the top pairing, and the eventual returns of Provorov and Fabbro will provide Bowness with additional options. Until then, Columbus needs its available defensemen to communicate effectively, limit breakdowns, and provide better support in front of its goaltenders.
The Blue Jackets have already demonstrated that they can compete with talented opponents. Their next challenge is sustaining that performance for a complete 60 minutes.
With the Florida Panthers visiting Nationwide Arena on Tuesday, Columbus has another opportunity to demonstrate progress.
Getting Severson back was an important step. Now the Blue Jackets need to make sure the rest of their defensive game catches up.
