Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky has left the NHL team to address a potentially "career-threatening" personal matter, according to a report out of Columbus. A team spokesperson said Dubinsky, who was expected to return to the lineup this week, practised Monday but missed Tuesday's workout because of a "maintenance day." Dubinsky has missed 17 games since suffering a broken orbital bone during a fight with Edmonton's Zack Kassian on Dec. 12, and there conflicting reports as to whether Dubinsky's personal matter is health-related. In October, Dubinsky was stripped of the team's alternate captaincy, a decision based on the 12-year veteran's play, Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella said at the time. Overhardt said Dubinsky would return to the Blue Jackets following this weekend's all-star break.

Source: CBC News January 24, 2018 17:33 UTC