Blue Jackets' Seth Jones Out 4-6 Weeks After Knee Injury Diagnosed as MCL Sprain

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones will miss four to six weeks after being diagnosed with a second-degree MCL sprain.

Jones was injured in Tuesday's preseason matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. The All-Star recorded 16 goals and 41 assists last season.

Jones' 16 goals tied a franchise record for most in a season by a defenseman.

The Blue Jackets could enter the regular season without their top two defensemen. Zach Werenski underwent shoulder surgery in May, and his status for the beginning of the year is unclear. Jones and Werenski are arguably the most promising young defensive pairing in the NHL.

Columbus lost backups Ian Cole and Jack Johnson this offseason, so its defense could stutter at the beginning of the campaign.

The Blue Jackets open their regular season Oct. 4 against the Detroit Red Wings.