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The Detroit Tigers prospect rankings update

MLB Pipeline and their group of scouts are among the most reputable, trustworthy that cover and rank prospects. For the Detroit Tigers looking to gain momentum in terms of high end prospect talent four prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects which also meant a change for the Tigers rankings as well.

First let’s take a look at where the four Tigers prospects landed on MLB Pipeline’s top 100. OF- Max Clark came in at #15, 3B/2B Colt Keith came in at #26, P-Jackson Jobe was listed at #59 and 2B-Jace Jung was ranked the #72 prospect in all MLB.

Now how do those four rank in the Detroit Tigers top 30 prospects and what does the future hold? Those four ranked in the MLB Pipeline top 100 (Clark, Keith, Jobe and Jung) also represent the top four in the Tigers organization. Four in the top 100 is not bad, yes more talent is needed but when considered Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson are young the four prospects give the Tigers some promise.

Max Clark who the Tigers drafted third overall in this years MLB Draft has all the tools to be a special talent and future all star. Graded:

60-Hit, 50 Power, 70-Run, 65-Arm, 60-Field for an overall 60 makes Clark the top Tigers prospect. Clark is a contact hitter who uses the gaps very well. He has the plate discipline scouts drool over. Clark is a very good fit for Comerica Park.

LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Colt Keith #81 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Friday, February 24, 2023 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Colt Keith drafted in 2020, has been injured so this season is a better look as to what he brings to the table.

55-Hit, 60-Power, 45-Run, 60-Arm, 45-Field, 55-Overall, in short Keith has All-Star ability he has cut down on strikeouts and is developing a better eye at the plate which is why he made the top 100 prospects.

Jackson Jobe is a pitcher who has the stuff to reach a #2 in a rotation. After a rough start last season the real Jobe began to show and has carried over.

65-Fastball, 65-Slider, 55-Changeup, 55-Cutter, 50-Control, 55-Overall, with a fastball that sits at 95-97 MPH and a changeup that dips to the low 80’s it’s easy to see why Detroit is high on the young pitcher. Again, if he develops he can be a valuable #2 and fringe All-Star.

Jace Jung  is a player who can impact the future Tigers lineup with his plus power to all fields.

55-Hit, 55-Power, 40-Run, 45-Arm, 45-Field, 45-Overall.  Jung has the ability to be an impact hitter for the Tigers. His numbers in terms of grades should change the more seasoning he gets.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 17: A general night view of the main entrance of Comerica Park during the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers have players who will fit nicely in Comerica Park. The hitters are all gap first power second hitters. That is not an issue. Colt Keith has the most power upside, while Max Clark and Jace Jung should get on base with some power, about 20 homerun ability each.

It has and will take time but the Detroit Tigers have some nice talent, more is needed.

 

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Clearing up the Ahsoka timeline

Many Star Wars fans are either confused or simply are unaware of the timeline Ahsoka takes place in. Some fans have theorized Ahsoka is a prequel or others a sequel to The Mandalorian if it is connected at at all. The fact is here is when Ahsoka takes place and how it connects.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 28: Costumes are seen at the Mandalorian special launch event at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 28, 2023. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

Ahsoka takes place during Season 3 of The Mandalorian so it takes place at the same time. After making her live action grand appearance during Season 2 during an episode titled “Chapter 13: The Jedi,” Ahsoka also made a cameo in The Book of Boba Fett to discuss the future Jedi training of Grogu with  Djarin.

Taking place about seven years after the events of Return of the Jedi, both The Mandalorian and Ahsoka are indeed connected to the larger picture that creator Dave Filoni is constructing. That said it should surprise no one if someone from The Mandalorian makes a cameo in Ahsoka or someone from The Book of Boba Fett.

In fact due to his absence in The Mandalorian Season 3, it almost makes sense if Boba Fett himself makes a cameo. Ahsoka is investigating a threat to the galaxy, the threat is non other that Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Set to release August 23, 2023 with a two-episode banger, Ahsoka is set to reunite characters from the popular animated series Star Wars Rebels while connecting to The Mandalorian.

WINTERHAVEN, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Star Wars cosplayer Shawn Richter as Boba Fett poses for photos at Buttercup Sand Dunes on January 15, 2022 in Winterhaven, California. Buttercup San Dunes was the location of several iconic scenes filmed for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

The question is will the Rebels characters, Djarin, Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and perhaps Grogu unite to take down the mounting threat of Thrawn? This would be a Star Wars fans biggest dream. One of the fan bases favorite villains squaring off against one of the fan bases favorite series, this time in live action.

The countdown is on! Ahsoka will soon be released to the delight of Star Wars fans everywhere and next steps will be taken to form the bigger picture.

 

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Ahsoka is getting closer and we now have run times

While some Star Wars fans are calling Ahsoka “Rebels 2.0” the show is reaching fever pitch in terms of anticipation. While it is true that Star Wars Rebels characters Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios, Chopper, Sabine Wren and the lead character Ahsoka are coming to live action for the first time the popular Star Wars show is sure to satisfy Star Wars fans and fans of Rebels.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Dave Filoni attends the Ahsoka panel at Start Wars Celebration 2023 in London at ExCel on April 08, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Disney)

It appears that Star Wars Rebels creator Dave Filoni has either learned a lesson or been paying attention to the fact that other Star Wars streaming shows such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian Season 3 were unevenly paced. Filoni said that the show is kind of paced like The Mandalorian but the episodes are more even in terms of run time.

1 hour and 36 minutes is the total run time of the first two episodes of Ahsoka. Streaming shows are interesting as it gives creators the freedom for run times. One thing, shows of any verity need to flow and not be overly choppy as was the case with aforementioned Star Wars shows. It seems that Filoni has learned that and perhaps he listened to fans vent of social media about choppy run times.

Dave Filoni has also gone on record as saying Ahsoka will have longer episodes as it has a lot of story to fill and is really bridging the gap with The Mandalorian. Let’s just get this out of the way, Grand Admiral Thrawn one of the Star Wars fan bases favorite villains is the key figure of the show.

STAR WARS REBELS – “Steps into Shadow” – The critically-acclaimed animated series “Star Wars Rebels” returns SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:30 p.m., ET) and introduces new characters Grand Admiral Thrawn and Bendu during the season three one-hour premiere event, “Steps into Shadow” on Disney XD. (Disney XD/Lucasfilm via Getty Images)
GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN

While rumors are swirling Thrawn will not enter until close to the end of Season 1, the first installment does end in a cliff hanger (again rumors) with the hope of a Season 2. With Lucasfilm in a perceived state of flux with the people calling the shots an old fan favorite done by the original Rebels creator (Filoni) could help revive Star Wars to the point where fans would be willing to give Ahsoka a second season.

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Brodric Martin may be the key for the Detroit Lions defense

In an effort to improve the defense the Detroit Lions drafted three defensive players this year, LB-Jack Campbell, DB- Brian Branch and DT- Brodric Martin. It is unusual to expect a rookie defensive tackle to make a big impact however with Martin that view should change. Drafted in the third round pick 96 overall Martin is having a very good training camp and he is not even on the receiving end of his talent.

Ranked 31st in scoring defense and 29th in yards allowed the team gave up 240 rushing yards to the Carolina Panthers in just one half. To say the unit needs improvement is an understatement on a large scale.

BLOOMINGTON, IN – SEPTEMBER 17: Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin (99) during a college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Indiana Hoosiers on September 17, 2022 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN. (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brodric Martin from the University of Western Kentucky had just three sacks that does not tell the whole story. The 6′ 4″, Martin has good size for DT who is basically can not be moved one on one. A lot of upper body strength allows Martin to shed would be blockers.

One trait that was noted pre-draft has not been a factor in Lions training camp. Martin was said to be slow off the ball thus far he has been anything but slow off the ball.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after being tackled by Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

So why would a rookie third round draft pick be the key for the Detroit Lions? With defensive pass rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and Romeo Okwara and others Martin’s play and forcing teams to double team him will open up more pass rush chances to the Detroit edge rushers. As seen in practice when Martin was left one on one and sacked the quarterback, then he was double teamed and Hutchinson had two sacks.

To say the Detroit Lions defense will improve is logical given they can not be much worse. Yet the unit looks much improved in camp so far and it is centered around a rookie.

The Detroit Lions are close to being a contending football team and Brodric Martin is about to be a problem. Martin is one player to watch for the Lions as he seems to be what the team has been missing.

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Sifting through Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman’s press conference

It is not often Steve Yzerman speaks to the media, roughly twice a year. This past week was one of those times, a pre NHL Draft press conference where in classic Yzerman fashion he left media members, fans and the rest of the hockey world guessing what he is going to do. Armed with 10 draft picks including two in the first round and three (in a row) in the second round Yzerman has the ammo to improve his team, be it drafting or trading.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: General manager Steve Yzerman
of the Detroit Red Wings looks on during the first round of the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

This should probably be noted first, Steve Yzerman said that he is willing to do what it takes to improve his team and “I’ll live with the fallout.” This sounds like the savvy GM is willing to part with players who seemingly were though to be part of the Red Wings core. No matter if Yzerman does trade someone or not, he is not ruling it out if it will improve his team.

On draft picks while saying he is planning on making the ninth overall first round draft pick his wording on the #17 overall draft pick was curious as he stated “I am going to use the #17 pick.” So Yzerman is going to make the ninth pick and use the #17 pick? To the untrained ear it sounds like he is preparing to trade that pick. It is known Detroit has spoken to the Philadelphia Flyers about Travis Konecny and are being heavily linked to Ottawa Senators, Alex DeBrincat.

Steve Yzerman understands the value of having multiple draft choices including the three in a row second rounders. “I’ve never had three picks in a row, particularly three in the second round,” Yzerman said. “That’s interesting. Those picks tend to be valuable if you look at every team’s draft grid, a lot of them don’t have first or second-round picks and potentially are looking to acquire that.” Again it does not appear at this time Detroit will be making all of those picks.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 30: Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings gets set for the face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Carolina 3-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

So what will Detroit’s draft strategy look like? The organization will not target a certain position but is seeking the best player on the board. Detroit still trying to build a core of players around center and team captain Dylan Larkin. In a year where this is perhaps the strongest group of draft prospects in a while, the Detroit Red Wings are open for business as Steve Yzerman is ready to improve the roster for a playoff push.

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Here is a projected post minicamp 53 man roster for the Detroit Lions

The 2023 Detroit Lions have high hopes and high aspirations the team completed minicamp and a vision for the 53-man roster has been cast. Currently sitting with 90 players the team had some standouts during the offseason camp. So what could the roster look like for a team on the rise and a team that has a championship in their sights?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws a pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Quarterbacks- Jared Goff, fresh off a season that saw the veteran signal caller post 29-tds, 7-ints, 4438 yds with a QB rating of 99.32, Goff is the clear cut starter.

Backup- Nate Sudfeld, is the reserve for now as the team drafted Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee. Hooker is thought to be the starting QB of the future but he will begin the season on the non-football injury list as he continues to rehab a knee injury suffered last season at Tennessee.

Running Backs- David Montgomery, free agent signee from the Chicago Bears looks to be the starter.

Reserves- Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Jason Cabinda round out the running backs. Right now there is no projected backup that will playout during training camp.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Wide receivers- The starters look to be; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams* (once his six game suspension is served), and Marvin Jones.

Reserves- Kalif Raymond, Josh Reynolds, Antoine Green

Tight ends- Rookie Sam LaPorta looks the part of the starting TE already. But the Lions will carry three at the position.

Reserves- Brock Wright, James Mitchell round out the TE group and each will see playing time the rotation is unknown at this time.

Offensive line- Unless there is an injury the starters are set in stone, LT Taylor Decker, LG Jonah Jackson, C Frank Ragnow, RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai, RT Penei Sewell form one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Reserves- OT Matt Nelson, C Ross Pierschbacher, OL Colby Sorsdal, IOL Graham Glasgow

Defensive Tackle- Starters could be Alim McNeill, Christian Covington

Reserves- Brodric Martin, Isaiah Buggs, personally I could see Buggs make a push for starter. Keep and eye on Benito Jones who I believe will win the remaining DE spot during training camp. It will not be easy, but Jones athleticism looks to give him a leg up.

Edge rusher- Starters are locked in Aidan Hutchinson, and Charles Harris

Reserves- Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara Paschal, who appeared in 10 after recovering from injury looks to have a larger role.

Linebackers- Starters- Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez

Reserves- Derrick Barnes, Jack Campbell, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, many believe Campbell will be a starter and very well could be. But starting roles are earned. Based on last season I am giving Rodriguez the nod for now.

Cornerbacks- Starters- Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson-(in the slot)

Reserves- Will Harris, Brian Branch, Starling Thomas, I can see Branch getting an expanded role soon. He looked good in minicamp.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 13: Kerby Joseph #31 of the Detroit Lions in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Safeties- Starters- Tracy Walker, Kerby Joseph; Walker is recovering from a torn achilles tendon and could be eased back into action.

Reserves- Saivion Smith, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Specialist- Kicker- Michael Badgley, Punter- Jack Fox, Long snapper- Jake McQuade

That is how I see the Detroit Lions 53- man roster shaping up before training camp opens in July.  Let me know your thoughts on the roster.

 

 

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The Detroit Red Wings could go one of two ways

The Detroit Red Wings were in the playoff hunt much of the season, the organization fell a little short and now are at a sort of crossroads. Ranked by many to have a top five prospect pool the Red Wings are in good shape regardless if GM Steve Yzerman decides to stock up for a playoff run or simply give prospects more AHL development time. The guess is Yzerman will add players.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 20: Ville Husso #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 20, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Florida defeated Detroit 5-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Red Wings need a few of key components in order to take a step towards being a playoff contending team. Scoring, goaltending, defense to be more specific a more reliable backup to starting goalie Ville Husso as the perceived goalie of the future, Sebastian Cossa is still developing. With some big names set to hit the free agent market, Yzerman will have little issue finding a backup goalie.

With some big names set to hit the open market, the Red Wings should have enough choices to improve scoring. At 240 GF and 279 GA for a -39 DIFF, the Red Wings need more scoring and better defense. Both D-William Wallinder and D-Albert Johansson are ranked #3 and #4 currently in the Red Wings prospect rankings. Yzerman could and perhaps should look at add a veteran or two in order to get better production out of the blueline.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JULY 07: Marco Kasper, #8 pick by the Detroit Red Wings, poses for a portrait during the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bell Centre on July 07, 2022 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

It seems that the #2 ranked prospect C- Marco Kasper will get a longer look in training camp he is far from a lock to make the opening night roster. The Red Wings have a long history of wanting o give prospects plenty of development time. Kasper was called up at the end of the season but was limited due to a broken kneecap.

In the end the Detroit Red Wings are closer to the NHL Playoffs, there is still much work to be done. The guess is that Steve Yzerman will make upgrades this summer in order to give his team a push while giving prospects both a long look during training camp and more development time.

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Breaking down the 2023 Detroit Lions Draft class

The Detroit Lions are a better football team at this moment. The team has been able to add both playmakers as well as depth and not only depth but quality depth. Finally able to draft “the best player available,” has added to the teams push to being a contending football team. Lions GM, Brad Holmes has done very well this draft. Let’s take a look at the 2023 Detroit Lions Draft class a little more closely.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 31: Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) attempts to break a tackle by Kansas State Wildcats safety Josh Hayes (1) during the Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

RB,  Jahmyr Gibbs from the University of Alabama, Drafted #12 overall; the Lions got themselves a playmaker. On paper Gibbs is the first exciting player in Motown since Barry Sanders, Gibbs has excellent acceleration and top speed and a threat to score any and every time he touches the football. Elite burst, Very good change of direction and solid pass blocker.

Below average strength and is tackled upon first contact needs to get stronger up top. Gibbs footwork between the tackles is too choppy at times and hesitant which leads to a loss in  momentum. The Lions would be wise to allow Gibbs to get to the edge and let him turn up field.

LB, Jack Campbell from the University of Iowa, Drafted #18 overall; The Lions drafted a linebacker who is a ballhawk.  Very quick to diagnose zone versus gap runs, quick to fill his gap on the front side of gap runs,  Physical and strong at the point of attack and wraps the runner very well.

Campbell has been known to get caught out of position against motion, at times he blocks square and  is prone to stop his feet on contact, Subpar change of direction is an issue in man coverage.

TE, Sam  LaPorta from the University of Iowa, Drafted #34 overall; Fights for extra yards after the catch, Laporta is an excellent athlete, he is a smooth route runner who fights for yards.

Continuing to evolve as an in line option, not necessarily a ball-winner all the time he needs to clean that up an begin to fight for the ball more. Laporta is  undersized for TE at 6′ 3″, but that allows him to lineup outside at times which gives the offense a different dimension.

S, Brian Branch from the University of Alabama, Drafted #45 overall;  Branch is a hybrid defender, he has top notch recognition and trigger and reads the play well, uses good angles to the ball, very smooth backpedal.

Lacks the top speed for safety, poor timing at time at the catchpoint, marginal ball skills. Could be developed into a slot corner.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 12: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to throw before the game against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)

QB, Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee, Drafted #68 overall; Good touch and timing on deep throws is his bread and butter also when throwing a in-breaking route, refined passer, not really turnover prone, can add to the running game when fully healthy.

Coming off season ending knee surgery due to a torn ACL, Hooker is an older prospect (25 years old), struggles to navigate pocket against pressure so he must be quicker to understand.

DL, Brodric Martin from the University of Western Kentucky, Drafted #96 overall; playing mostly nose tackle he is close to being immovable, gets full extension and sheds blocks, Martin has pass rush potential but lacks consistency he excels at knocking passes down.

Not very explosive or nimble, Martin tends to stand up a big when he wears down, still developing a pass rush plan. Martin needs to be conditioned and must become a threat on the pass rush.

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The Detroit Lions are having another solid draft

Brad Holmes does not care about Mock Drafts. If you live and die by the Mock then this news probably irritates you to some degree. Myself a well known loather of Mock Drafts found it refreshing when the Detroit Lions GM said, “There’s a lot of information that I don’t expect the people that are putting out the mock drafts to know, and it’s not their fault. They’re not in the medical meetings. I look at them, I respect them, but it’s not always going to be right. And then you’ve got to make the best pick that you can and be confident with it. Post-Draft and immediate Draft grades, when the pick didn’t line up with those mocks, you’ve got to be willing and comfortable to take the thrashing because they didn’t line up with the mock. It’s all good.”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Brad Holmes only cares about one thing…….. getting the right fit for his football team. Positional Value be damned. There were very loud audible gasps and groans when RB, Jahmyr Gibbs from the University of Alabama was announced as the Detroit Lions first, first round draft pick at #12 due to a trade back. The Lions picked again at #18 and selected Iowa Hawkeyes LB, Jack Campbell.

NFL and draft experts were harsh on the picks. Yet, now that the smoke has cleared the picks make sense for what the Lions have built under Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. High energy, high character players who make impacts. That is what Gibbs and Campbell give Detroit right off the bat.

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Brodric Martin #99 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrates against the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the second half of the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Last night on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, Holmes really brough the Lions closer to being a serious playoff team this upcoming season. Drafting Iowa Hawkeyes TE, Sam Laporta, Alabama Crimson Tide S, Brian Branch, Tennessee Volunteers QB, Hendon Hooker and Western Kentucky DT, Brodric Martin.

Brad Holmes has done it again. No matter if you like positional value which most prefer, Holmes selected best players for his team. This is a spot the Detroit Lions have not been in, in well a very long time. The organization was able to select “the best player available.” Holmes did and then in meeting with the media stood his ground. The Detroit Lions are a better football team today for his work.

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A look at possible future Columbus Blue Jackets defensive pairings

The 2023 Columbus Blue Jackets defensive unit started off on shaky ground. Switching to a man-to-man scheme it was an adjustment to say the least. About three weeks into the season some players began to catch on, and then the injuries started. Losing perhaps the teams most important player Zach Werenski was a massive blow. Jake Bean who looked much better was also lost for the season. The Blue Jackets pipeline is chalked with solid defensemen who figure to be mainstays in Columbus once the “reset” is complete. So what could future pairings look like? Let’s take a look.

First and foremost go ahead and pen (or sharpie) Werenski on the top line. A very brief pairing (due to injury) with Adam Boqvist looked like it would be a solid pairing. The two should get another look to see if they can reclaim the chemistry they briefly showed.

Again being  future pairings based on ability and projection and players that could compliment each other, I have Corson Ceulemans and Blue Jackets top prospect, David Jiricek on the second line. Jiricek who projects by well, just about everyone as a top line defensemen would give excellent depth on the second line.

The third line pairing, could be Stanislav Svozil, who had two very solid games at the end of the season in Columbus (and a prospect I am very high on for whatever that’s worth) and Dento Mateychuck, two shutdown style defensive players who have some offensive upside.

While it seems that Jiricek is almost or next to a lock to make the Columbus roster out of training camp, it will be interesting to see where the likes of Mateychuck, Svozil and Ceulemans are placed. The Cleveland Monsters seems likely. Regardless, all of the Blue Jackets top defensive prospects should get a look in Columbus at some point next season.

I do have Jake Bean still on the roster as he really did take a big step forward in his shortened season. There is a reason to be excited for fans. It will take a little while but it will be worth the wait once the prospects are in Columbus full time. Again this is only a guess post “reset.”