Ex-Bruin may never play again (VIDEO)

Very sad news out of the Columbus Blue Jackets camp as forward Nathan Horton is apparently suffering from career threatening spinal degeneration. Horton's season and playing career is in jeopardy due to a degenerative ailment in the lower (lumbar) region of his spine. As reported by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Horton, who signed a seven-year, $37.1 million free-agent contract with the Blue Jackets in the summer of 2013, has been diagnosed with “degeneration” of the entire lumbar region of his spine, or the lower back, sources told The Dispatch. Surgery has not been scheduled or ruled out, but it is viewed as a last resort, sources said. It’s a delicate procedure, with no guarantee of relief. "He's in constant pain," Horton's agent Paul Krepelka said. "He's in constant discomfort." The 29 year old is an excellent power forward and his loss is also a big loss for the Blue Jackets, who have inquired around the league trying to find a replacement for Horton. Hopefully this is not the last we see of Horton.