Blue Jackets GM: Nathan Horton suffering from degenerative back condition

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nathan Horton's availability for the start of the season is in doubt, and general manager Jarmo Kekelainen says the veteran's back injury may get worse before it gets better.

Kekelainen described Horton's condition as "degenerative", according to the Columbus Dispatch.

"(Horton) is the only person that really knows where he is at and how much pain there is involved," the GM added. "It’s impossible for anybody else to know what he is going through right now. He is suffering.”

Kekelainen says Horton's frustration about being unable to play is clear.

"Everybody is different, obviously, because there is pain involved and all kinds of things involved with that. I think Nathan Horton is probably more frustrated than anybody right now as far as trying to find a way to get stronger and get back to being able to play again."

Last week, the general manager said Horton would not require surgery.

The 10-year veteran will not travel with the team to St. Louis for Thursday's game against the Blues.