- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: (worth reading the entire piece) Blue Jackets Nathan Horton remains in near constant pain due to his degenerative back injury.
“I can’t stand up like a normal person; I can’t bend over,” Horton said in his first public comments about his condition. “I can’t run. I can’t play with my kids. To get in and out of the car, I’m like a 75-year-old man … so slow and stiff. I can’t sleep at night. I try to lay down and my back seizes up and I can’t move, so sleeping is out. I’m like a zombie in the daytime.”
He could have surgery to alleviate the pain, but it would end his career at 29. The procedure would likely be “three- or four-level spinal fusion with a titanium rod”
“I don’t want to have surgery, because of what that means,” Horton said, his voice breaking behind a smile. “I don’t want to live with this pain, but I don’t want to make that decision. It’s hard for me to say that, at 29 years old, I’m done. I mean, really? Done at 29?”
- TSN: Draft prospect Connor McDavid will be out about five-six weeks with a fractured bone in his right hand. It won’t required surgery. He will miss Team Canada’s World Junior camp but could still be named to the roster, which must be finalized by Dec. 25th.
- Anaheim Ducks: Corey Perry and Francois Beachemin have the mumps and are day-to-day.
- Brian McCormack of BlueJackets.com: Artem Anisimov practiced yesterday in a no-contact jersey. Sergei Bobrovsky is a possibility for Friday.
- Bryan Burns on Lightning.NHL: Tyler Johnson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after leaving Tuesday’s game after taking a cross-chek from Brent Seabrook.
- Mike Harrington: Sabres Josh Gorges is out tonight and will have further evaluation when they return home.
- Andy Strickland: Blues T.J. Oshie also suffered a concussion late year and rushed back for the playoffs. He won’t be rushing back this time.
- Randy Sportak: Flames Mason Raymond and Joe Colborne skated yesterday morning before practice.
- Adam Vingan: Capitals Tom Wilson is possible for Saturday. Brooks Laich’s status is uncertain.
- George Richards: Panthers Brandon Pirri (concussion) skated yesterday but won’t be back before next week at the earliest.