Werenski, Murray play in opener

DETROIT — One week made a big difference for the Blue Jackets’ defensive depth.

Zach Werenski (shoulder) and Ryan Murray (groin) played against Detroit in the season opener Thursday night, which wasn’t a sure thing a week earlier — when Werenski was still out recovering from shoulder surgery and Murray had a “soft tissue” problem stemming from an accidental kick in the second exhibition game.

Seth Jones was then hurt last week with an MCL tear in his right knee, estimated to keep him out four to six weeks, and Scott Harrington suffered an upperbody injury Friday against Pittsburgh that requires the NHL’s concussion protocol.

“I was pretty unsure when it first happened,” said Murray, who was asked if his availability for the season opener was ever in doubt. “The doctor said one thing and I felt differently, so obviously that was good news. We got it checked out. Nothing serious. Luckily everything felt better, so perfect timing.”

Playing was even sweeter for Werenski, who grew up in the Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe.

“They told me it was five to six months recovery after surgery, so I just said, ‘I’m going to play in this game, I’m going to work hard and I’m not going to miss any time,’” said Werenski, who had surgery May 3. “People were calling and texting me, asking, ‘Are you going to be ready? Should we buy tickets?’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be there.’ It’s pretty cool how it all worked out.”

Murray also enjoys playing the Red Wings for two other reasons: He cheered for them as a kid and his longtime friend Dylan Larkin plays for Detroit.

Werenski and Larkin first played together at age 10 on a youth team, played together in college at Michigan and have remained close. They had dinner Wednesday and will do the same in Columbus when the Red Wings make their lone visit Oct. 30 at Nationwide Arena.

“I’ve never been down to visit him in the summer, but when we go down there to play, he takes me out for dinner,” Larkin said. “That’s kind of our tradition, because our families aren’t there. It’s a good way to see Columbus. It’s a beautiful city.”

Goalie Joonas Korpisalo said he’d known for “a while” that he’d start the opener and that Sergei Bobrovsky would play Friday in the home opener against Carolina. … Murray directed the second power-play group, which had Alexander Wennberg on the left wing instead of in front of the net and Anthony Duclair camped in the slot. … Harrington, who’s day-to-day, didn’t make the trip.