Seth Jones injury update: Blue Jackets defenseman out three weeks with broken foot

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 24: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 24, 2016 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 24: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 24, 2016 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones will miss the next three weeks due to a hairline fracture of his foot. 

After a rough start to the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been able to right their ship. A lot of that is due to the improved play of their blue line. Seth Jones has been leading the way with six points in 10 games this NHL season. However, the Blue Jackets will have to survive three weeks without him. The team announced he will miss the next three weeks due to a broken foot he suffered on Saturday against the St. Louis Blues.

"Jones, 22, has registered three goals and three assists for six points with a +1 plus/minus rating and has averaged 24:14 of ice time in 10 games with the Jackets this season. He leads the Blue Jackets in time on ice (17th in NHL) and leads club defensemen in goals and ranks second in assists and points."

Columbus traded star center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for Jones last season. Since joining the Blue Jackets, he has given them a much needed boost on their blue line. Jones plays on their first defensive pairing and has 26 points in his first 51 points with Columbus.

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Without Jones, the Blue Jackets will likely go with Jack Johnson on their first pairing. Johnson has played primarily on Columbus’ second defensive pairing so far this season. He has one point in 10 games while averaging 21:48 of ice time per game. Playing alongside him will be rookie sensation Zach Werenski. Werenski leads all Blue Jackets defensemen with 10 points while playing over 20 minutes a night.

Columbus faces a tough stretch over the next week, as they play the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Blues. This should be a good test for the Blue Jackets to see if they truly are playoff contenders.