There is concern growing within the Columbus Blue Jackets' organization that forward Nathan Horton's back injury could potentially be threatening to his career, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch.
Horton, who joined Columbus in 2013 as a free agent after signing a seven-year, $37.1 million contract, has been diagnosed with a "degenerative" lower back issue - specifically the entire lumbar region of his spine - sources told Portzline.
"He's going to rest it and see if it responds," said General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Horton is currently resting in Columbus as the team embarks on a three-game road trip through California.
Portzline notes that surgery has not yet been scheduled - or ruled out. The procedure, were Horton and the team to decide to try it, is a delicate one and offers no guarantee of relief.
"Nathan is a frustrated kid right now," Horton's agent, Paul Krepelka said. "This is normally a really easygoing guy, a happy guy, but he's just so frustrated by all of this. He signed with Columbus to make an impact, to play a big role on a team that's on the rise. He was so excited about doing it. The fact that he hasn't been able to make any meaningful contributions is just extremely frustrating to him."
Columbus was hoping for impact both on the ice and in the locker room when they signed the now 29-year-old. He's been troubled by lower back issues for several years, but this off-season it became much worse.
While training in Florida, Horton began developing severe discomfort. It has carried over into training camp and now the season.
"He's in constant pain," Krepelka said. "He's in constant discomfort."
Should Horton continue to miss time up and through the team's 21st game of the season, the club will be covered by insurance for $6 million of Horton's salary, according to Portzline.