Report: Blue Jackets' Atkinson to miss 4-6 weeks with fractured foot

The injury-riddled Columbus Blue Jackets received some more lousy news Monday, as forward Cam Atkinson will require surgery on his fractured right foot and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Atkinson, who will undergo surgery either Tuesday or Wednesday, was felled by a slap shot from Seth Jones in the first period of Saturday's tilt with the Philadelphia Flyers, but the 28-year-old remained in the game, logging heavy minutes (22:26) in the eventual shootout victory at Nationwide Arena.

Now, though, the Blue Jackets could be without Atkinson until February, with his foot injury further depleting a roster already decimated by injuries to defensemen Zach Werenski and Ryan Murray, as well as forwards Alexander Wennberg and Brandon Dubinsky.

That said, Atkinson has struggled this season following a terrific 2016-2017 campaign in which he set new career highs in goals (35), assists (27), and plus-minus (13). Through 32 games this year, Atkinson - a healthy scratch against the Arizona Coyotes earlier this month - has just six goals and seven assists, tying him with Nick Foligno for eighth on the team in points.