Mateychuk is expected to miss at least the first week of training camp with a groin injury, but the Blue Jackets haven't provided a firm timeline on when they expect him to begin practicing. With Mateychuk banged up, Brenden Smith, who is in camp on a PTO, was getting a look alongside Erik Gudbranson on Thursday.
Mateychuk did not play the previous game for the Blue Jackets and will remain out of the lineup due to an illness on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 20-year-old defenseman is averaging 18:10 time-on-ice and has three points (1G / 2A) in 12 games this season.
Mateychuk was a surprise scratch on Monday, with the team not announcing his absence prior to warmups. Jack Johnson will draw into the lineup in his place.
Mateychuk was the 12th overall pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old defenseman has yet to play and NHL game. He has 25 points (9G / 16A) in 27 games with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) this season. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jackets have loaned James Malatesta to Cleveland.
