Jackets players’ rehabs get competitive
By nature, athletes are quick to compare. Be it a goal, a time or some other measure of competition, there’s always something to discuss or debate during the course of a career.
The size of one’s ankle, though? That was a new one for Oliver Bjorkstrand and Seth Jones. With teammates scattered throughout the world as the NHL looked for a way to resume its paused 2019-20 season, the two Blue Jackets remained in
Columbus, rehabilitating their respective high-ankle sprains after undergoing the same surgery roughly three weeks apart.
Jones, who was the first to undergo what is known as “tightrope” surgery, said the two would compare their recoveries by examining each other’s ankles. Bjorkstrand said it verged on competition at a time when the sports world was shut down.
“I guess it was seeing how swollen it was, when it started to go down and look like your regular ankle,” Bjorkstrand said. “It was kind of fun comparing to see the steps of progress and who’s doing a better job.”
It was a needed piece of levity, especially for Jones, who underwent this specific procedure in part to help expedite his return to the ice. At the time of the surgery, Jones was hoping to be back in time for a playoff run with an expected recovery time of eight to 10 weeks.
He underwent his surgery Feb. 11 after suffering a sprain and hairline fracture of his right ankle three days earlier in a game against Colorado. Bjorkstrand suffered the same injury to his left ankle in a Feb. 20 game against Philadelphia and underwent surgery March 3.
As he got to week 10, Jones said things stagnated and he grew frustrated for a few weeks. That’s where Bjorkstrand came in, as the two broke up scar tissue together, strengthened their ankles and returned to the ice at roughly the same time.
“The ankle wasn’t getting better as quickly as I wanted it to, so there were some tough days. But having him there was definitely a big help,” Jones said. “As soon as week 15 hit, I felt like I was back to normal on the ice. You think you’re invincible with sports. It really was an eye-opener to watch this heal up slowly.”
Bjorkstrand referred to Jones as the test dummy, providing him insight into what his own recovery was going to look like. It helped, but it was no substitute for the work that would be required.
“I could lean on him a little bit and see things he did maybe a little bit differently,” Bjorkstrand said. “For me, it was nice to have him to ask a few questions what he could do. There’s only so much conversations can do, but having somebody there to talk to about it and share your thoughts on how your ankle is feeling (helps).”
When the Blue Jackets opened their second training camp, both were full participants. Had the Jackets qualified for the postseason under the traditional schedule, it’s unlikely either would have been able to play. Jones is a fourtime all-star, and Bjorkstrand led the team in goals at the time of his injury.
“It’s been very well-talked about how well we’ve handled some of our injuries, but we were in a tough way there when Jonesy went down and Oliver went down,” coach John Tortorella said. “You could see us sputtering there.”
Now it’s full-speed ahead for two players who will resume their significant roles in the opening-round series against Toronto.
“I didn’t expect to be able to come back and play playoff hockey, so it’s exciting and I’m ready to go,” Bjorkstrand said. ajardy@dispatch.com @Adamjardy