Mar 28, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Nathan Horton (8) falls on the ice in front of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 2-1. (Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports)

Calling Nathan Horton’s back ailment an “injury” seems a bit flimsy in light of Aaron Portzline’s report on Monday that the Columbus Blue Jackets forward’s career might be over.

Horton has a “degeneration of the entire lumbar region of his spine or lower back” according to the Columbus Dispatch, and there’s growing concern that his career “might be finished.”

He signed a 7-year, $37.1-million free-agent contract with the Blue Jackets in 2013. That was after recovering from a concussion he suffered in Boston, and shoulder surgery that delayed the start of his season with Columbus.

Surgery on his back is an option, but by no means a guarantee that his back would improve. His agent, Paul Krepelka, said Horton is in “constant pain.”

From Puck-Rakers:

The Blue Jackets will be covered by insurance for most of Horton’s salary — $6 million this season — once he misses the club’s 21st game of the season, on Nov. 25. Future seasons would work the same.

Horton could be placed on the long-term injured reserve list if the Blue Jackets need space under the NHL salary cap, but that’s not yet an issue. The Blue Jackets are $7.17 million under the cap, according to CapGeek.com.

The Jackets, who have been asking around for a replacement at forward for Horton, envisioned him on the top line with Ryan Johansen and Boone Jenner this season, utilizing his veteran presence to continue inching closer to championship contention.

Instead, he may have played his last game, for the Jackets or anyone else in the NHL.