The Columbus Blue Jackets have activated defenseman Zach Werenski off Injured Reserve and placed right wing Josh Anderson on Injured Reserve, club General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. Anderson is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to a shoulder injury suffered on December 14 at Ottawa.

Werenski, 22, has missed the past seven games with a shoulder injury suffered on November 30 at the NY Islanders. He leads all club defensemen in goals and ranks second in assists and points with six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 26 games this season. Columbus' first selection, eighth overall, at the 2015 NHL Draft, he has recorded 44-100-144 with 56 penalty minutes and a cumulative +7 plus/minus rating in 263 career NHL games.

Since making his NHL debut in 2016, Werenski's 44 goals and 144 points rank ninth-tied and 20th, respectively, among all league defenseman. The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native was named a Calder Trophy finalist and member of the NHL All-Rookie Team following the 2016-17 campaign and made his All-Star Game debut in 2018.

Anderson, 25, has tallied 1-3-4 and 17 penalty minutes in 26 contests in 2019-20. He has notched 65-50-115, 212 penalty minutes and a +27 plus/minus rating in 267 career games since being selected by the Jackets in the fourth round, 95th overall, at the 2012 NHL Draft. The Burlington, Ontario native set career highs in 2018-19 with 27-20-47 and a +25 plus/minus rating, while playing in all 82 games.

The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when they visit the Detroit Red Wings. Game time from Little Caesars Arena is 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Ohio and the FOX Sports Go app with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. with the "Blue Jackets Live" pre-game show. The contest will also be broadcast on the Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs Blue Jackets Radio Network, including CD102.5 FM.