Tag: Columbus Blue Jackets

Posted on

The Columbus Blue Jackets coaching search is ongoing, 2 names have caused a stir

Sports and sports fans love a good redemption story, even if the story is uneasy at first. For the Columbus Blue Jackets who are searching for the organization’s next head coach the team has been tight lipped thus far on just who is on the list and who they have and have not spoken to. A few name have been released, associate coach Pascal Vincent who joined Columbus in 2021, former Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette, and former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock are said to have interviewed and/or talked to the Blue Jackets front office. One name not mentioned but perhaps should be is former Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Head Coach of the Washington Capitals Peter Laviolette watches the play on the ice during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Of the names mentioned, Pascal Vincent is the least likely to ruffle any feathers of emotion. Peter Laviolette is said to be a demanding coach along the lines of former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella. Mike Babcock does not sit well for many as it has been well documented that Babcock has faced  accusations of mistreatment of players.

The real question mark is Joel Quenneville who would qualify as a redemption story but is at the mercy of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Quenneville, while coach of the Chicago Blackhawks was accused of a sexual abuse coverup. The allegations forced Quenneville to step down as coach of the Florida Panthers and he went before Bettman to discuss his involvement and must meet with the commissioner once again before he would be allowed to coach.

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 15: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on December 15, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wings defeated the Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

While it is unclear exactly who the Blue Jackets have and are talking to it seems a bit of a stretch that the organization would hire either Babcock or Quenneville. Both would be hard sells for both players and fans. Both coaches have won big in the NHL but that alone can not be reason to hire them.

The Columbus Blue Jackets front office is taking the right approach. The organization must get the hire right. With young players such as Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and others any new coach is going to need to have developmental skills as well as managing veterans. This is a bit tricky to get right but a balanced coach is important to the now and future of the Blue Jackets.

Posted on

After a frustrating season the Columbus Blue Jackets future remains bright

I am not going to rehash the 2022-’23 Columbus Blue Jackets season. That does no one any good. The organization is forward thinking and looking and fans should be as well. Depending who you read the Blue Jackets have a top five prospect pool and are set to add to that pool this summer at the 2023 NHL Draft. The fact is many publications have the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets as the top two in terms of prospects.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 11: General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2013-2014 season on September 11, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

“We want to get back into the playoffs,” Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen said at his end of the season press conference. The reality is the organization is not that far away from playoff contention once again. No really. One thing I will mention about last season is the team and franchise record 563 man lost games due to injuries. Not one Blue Jackets player was able to play in all 82 games.

Kekalaien also stated he wants to bring in a veteran or two as well; as the Blue Jackets were once again one of the youngest teams in the NHL.  The team is sure to have a rookie or two on the roster next season. Top prospect D- David Jiricek had a monster first AHL season for the Cleveland Monsters. Jiricek is expected to compete and possibly earn a roster spot during training camp and will be given every opportunity to do so.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 25: Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger #34 takes the ice prior to the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Edmonton Oilers at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 2023. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Yes the organization needs and has needed a top line center (1C) for some time. This week team president John Davidson said the team is going to get a center in the draft. The Blue Jackets select #3 overall and should have plenty of good centers to choose from. Also the expectation is that C- Cole Sillinger will get back on track and have a rebound season after a wicked sophomore slump which will help strengthen the centers.

While there is still work to do and young players are still developing the cupboard is far from empty. In other words, while it is unknow how the team will perform both on ice and in the standings this coming season a healthy roster armed with stronger center play will go a long way in getting the organization closer to where they want to be.

Posted on

The Columbus Blue Jackets will select third overall

No the NHL Draft Lottery is not rigged nor has the sky fallen in the world of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sure Connor Bedard would have been nice or Adam Fantilli at #2 overall. With the top five draft picks as good as this years there is honestly not a lot that separates the players. Bedard is indeed otherworldly, as for the rest it really depends on the need or needs of an organization.  For the Columbus Blue Jackets #3 is just fine.

Unless you live under a shoe, you know the Blue Jackets have needed a top line center for well, it’s been ongoing for years. With Bedard and Fantilli (both centers) expected to go one-two in this years draft that leaves the Blue Jackets to pick the organizations top line center at long last. But who?

Leo Carlsson, Carlsson has the tools to be an elite top line center. Widely viewed as the best skater in this years draft Carlsson’s great foot work allows him to show off a good blend of speed for his size (6′ 3″.) Carlsson is a true playmaker in the offensive zone. Carlsson is not a shoot first center he looks to set up teammates, although his shot is really good. The young Swedish Carlsson is just as good in the defensive end his transitional play is excellent he has taken a big step and is close to putting it all together. Carlsson would be a great pick if that is who the Blue Jackets want.

PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 16: Will Smith #20 of the United States skates up the ice during the first period of the 2023 BioSteel All-American hockey game at USA Hockey Arena on January 16, 2023 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Will Smith, Compared to Leo Carlsson, Will Smith is a bit (just a bit) of a work in progress. Smith is a good skater without a burst in his stride to break away. In the offensive zone Smith shines. Phenomenal hands, above average vision and stick handling coupled with a deadly shot. Smith is not very good in the defensive zone and will need time to develop. He is a work in progress and in the right system, Smith can be a very good player in time.

ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – 2022/05/05: Matvei Michkov (No.39) of Russia U20 seen in action during the Liga Stavok St. Petersburg Cup, hockey tournament match between Russia and Russia U20 at Jubilee Arena in Saint Petersburg.
(Final score; Russia 4:2 Russia U20). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Matvie Michkov, A very strong skater with alright speed.  Blessed with strong acceleration and superb edge works. One of the very best shots in this years draft Michkov’s accuracy, power and his quick release will be welcomed by who ever drafts him. Not strong in the defensive end, Michkov who is under contract for three more years in the KHL, will need to begin to apply himself in the defensive zone. If he does that, he has the makings of a very good player.

The Columbus Blue Jackets seem likely to draft a center this year. They need an impactful player and one that is close to being NHL ready as the teams window is soon to be open.

Posted on

The Columbus Blue Jackets must hire the right coach

Todd Richards, John Tortorella, Brad Larsen, the past three Columbus Blue Jackets head coaches. Of the trio only Tortorella found some success leading the Blue Jackets to the franchises only playoff series win. Saturday, the team fired Brad Larsen and now GM, Jarmo Kekalainen and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson must hire the right head coach, for the remainder of reset the team is currently under and when they are finished and ready to compete for a playoff spot.

Fans should be prepared while the coaching search is developing to hear names like; Bruce Boudreau, Peter Laviolette, Alain Vigneault, and others. Only Kekalainen and Davidson know who they are targeting and who they want behind the bench.

TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Yet, no matter if it is a coaching retread or a new face, it must be the right fit. The Blue Jackets have one of the better prospect pools and they team is young. Players like Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson are still developing next season top prospect David Jiricek will be in the mix for a roster spot. So needless to say, the next head coach must be able to develop young players.

The Blue Jackets badly need a stabilizing head coach. One that can develop young players and get veterans to produce more. That in and of itself is the trick. The timing of firing a coach is never good. The team is preparing for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, mapping out an offseason game plan and now looking for a new head coach.

September 16 2015: John Davidson President of Hockey Operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets talking to media during Media Day held by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With a new head coach the question is will he retain any of the leftover coaches? That does not generally happen. A coach wants coaches they have worked with so while it is possible, do not hold your breath.

Jarmo Kekalainen also stated that some changes will be coming as he wants to get the team back into the playoffs. Just what those changes are one can only guess.

It is going to be an interesting spring and summer in Columbus not too mention busy.

 

Posted on

The Columbus Blue Jackets dismiss Brad Larsen as head coach and Many Legacy as goalie coach

 John Tortorella is the winningest coach in the history of the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was never going to be easy to be “the next guy,” after Tortorella. Brad Larsen started his coaching career with the Blue Jackets in 2010-’11 as an assistant in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons. In the 2014-’15 season Larsen would join then Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards staff in Columbus.

September 16 2015: Jarmo Kekalainen General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets talking to media during Media Day held by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Speaking Saturday morning after dismissing the teams head coach, GM, Jarmo Kekalainen spoke on the season that was for the team he steers. “This season has been extremely disappointing and the responsibility for that lies with all of us,” Kekalainen stated. The GM went on to say that while the decision was difficult it was “absolutely necessary.”

While he refused (rightfully so) to go into details on why and how he came to the decision to move on from Brad Larsen it can be assumed the team is nowhere close to being where they thought they would by under the leadership of the now former head coach. Even with the rash of injuries there was no forward progress made.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending was……….. not good (being very polite) this season leading to goalie coach Many Legacy not being retained. That said, it could be read, right or wrong Kekalainen either fired shots at or offered a stern warning to starting goal Elvis Merzlikins while speaking about Legacy. Stating, “Well, number one, goaltender is a key to success with any team that wants to be in the playoffs or have success in the playoffs, or let alone win the Stanley Cup. You need a goalie that has the skills, that has the talent, but also a goalie who is consistent and reliable. That means staying healthy, being in top condition, probably the best conditioned guy on the whole team because of the requirements of that job. And that’s going to be something that’s gonna be addressed.”

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Assistant coach Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on November 26, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jackets defeated the Wings 7-5. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

Leading some to ponder if the GM does not believe he has the person in net. The Blue Jackets have some really good young players and are in position to add to that talent pool this summer. This is a team that even in a difficult season had a few rays of light. Also a team that believe it or not is not that far away from being a more consistent product on the ice.

I will go into the coaching search this week. Come back for names and possible good fits.

 

Posted on

Why this was not a throw away season for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Often when a sports team has a bad season fans view it as a “throw away.” For the Columbus Blue Jackets (25-48) they now know they will pick no worse than #4 in this summer’s NHL Draft. There is some more good news for the Blue Jackets, no really This season that on the surface was disappointing actually has some silver linings, let’s dig in.

For starters the team got some eye popping play and a look into the future from both Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson. Marchenko started the season in Cleveland with the Monsters as the Blue Jackets organization thought it best to allow him time to get use to the North American hockey rinks.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 11: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets lines up prior to a face-off during the third period of a game against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena on March 11, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Once called up Marchenko put on a show. 21- goals, 4- assists, 25 points. Marchenko played most nights on the Columbus top line. He looks to be a natural goal scorer and a big part of the teams retooling.

His teammate Kent Johnson looks like a top-end  NHL player. 16-goals, 24-assists,40 points, for Johnson stats do not tell the whole story. Playing outstanding defense and driving plays Johnson played better and better and with a lot of confidence. Johnson was if not the, close to it best Blue Jacket post All-Star game.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 16: Adam Boqvist #27 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck during the second period of a game against the New York Rangers at Nationwide Arena on January 16, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Boqvist, this is a player fans have waited to fulfill his pre-draft projections. This season Boqvist did just that and should be part on the Columbus defensive unit for some time. Playing in 46 games due to injury Boqvist bested his points total this season tallying 24. His play in the defensive end was much better and he now enters the conversation as a potential top four defenseman who is more than capable to quarterback the power play (PP.)

Patrik Laine who missed time (as most Blue Jackets) with injuries, yet Laine has and is becoming a really good two-way player. No longer does Laine drift to the outside, he is now in the middle fighting for pucks and being more physical. Laine even showed he can play center and play it well. Could that be a spot for him moving forward?

While there was plenty of bad to go around, such as; the defense was a mess even with everyone healthy early on. The organization made the switch to man-to-man and it was rocky which is very kind. Cole Sillinger was in a season long sophomore slump and was sent to Cleveland in part to help the Monsters playoff push but more as a reset for a player who is a large part of the future. As mentioned the Blue Jackets had a near unbelievable rash of injuries with 541 lost man minutes, yikes!

So now the wait is on until the NHL Draft Lottery, Monday, May 8 to see just where the Columbus Blue Jackets will be selecting.

Posted on

Could the Columbus Blue Jackets trade for Jakob Chychrun

Now that both the NHL draft and free agency have past and NHL training camps are just weeks away from getting underway, it is time to check in on past trade talks. Right around the draft the Arizona Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets were talking about a trade that centered around Coyotes defensemen Jakob Chychrun. No trade was made but that does not mean that the teams ended the talks entirely.

DETROIT, MI – MARCH 08: Jakob Chychrun (6) of the Arizona Coyotes controls the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period of an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 8, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Arizona defeated Detroit 9-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Blue Jackets are a young up and coming team and the Coyotes have been in rebuild mode for a while. Columbus has a surplus of forwards and the Coyotes need forwards. The Coyotes have defensive talent and the Blue Jackets need more help on defense. Making this a plausible possibility.

If a trade were made, The Blue Jackets would get an instant upgrade for the blue line. A top pairing of Zach Werenski and Chychrun would help the rest of the roster out as Andrew Peeke would have to slide to the second line so the Blue Jackets depth would be better.

Jakub Chychrun signed a 6 year $27,600,000 contract in 2018. The Blue Jackets who had to trade Oliver Bjorkstrand in order to get Patrik Laine’s new extension under the cap would need to send a player or players to Arizona of at least equal value in order to be under the cap if they trade for Chychrun.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2021-2022 season on September 22, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the trade of Bjorkstrand the word is Columbus is going to give Krill Marchenko a long look in training camp. Still the Blue Jackets could offer a package something along the lines of Gustav Nyquist and former first round draft pick Liam Foudy. Again that is just an example.

Chychrun is a very good defensive player and the asking price would be a lot as it should be. Again the Blue Jackets have a surplus of forwards and certainly have enough to offer the Coyotes.

I am not saying this is going to happen, but it is worth keeping and eye on as it is pre training camp trade season.

Posted on

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Oliver Bjorkstrand to become cap compliant

There are angry fans, there are puzzled fans, there are fans who understand. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who Friday afternoon signed Patrik Laine to a 4 year $34.8 million extension, was on the clock to make a deal and make it fast. The Blue Jackets had to get to a point where they would be cap compliant after signing free agent Johnny Gaudreau and Laine. The odd man out turned out to be Oliver Bjorkstand who will now call Seattle home as he will play for the Kraken.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 8: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets waves to the fans after being named first star of the game following a 4-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Nationwide Arena on January 8, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

After news broke about the Laine extension, I took to social media and gave a short list (4 players) who due to their contracts I thought would be moved to get the Blue Jackets under the salary cap. I listed Bjorkstrand as one of those players (the other players listed are irrelevant as they did not get traded.)

Social media saw an uptick in Blue Jacket posts. No matter if fans were, angry, puzzled or understanding, one thing shined through……. they are going to miss Oliver Bjorkstrand who had been drafted by the team developed by the team and became a top six forward on the team. Bjorkstrand spent 9 years in the Blue Jackets organization.

It looks and feels like the Blue Jackets front office rushed to make the move as the team received a 3rd and 4th round draft pick for Bjorkstrand. While understanding this was a salary dump by the Blue Jackets it feels like the return should have been a bit more.

DALLAS, TX – JUNE 23: Kirill Marchenko poses for a portrait after being selected 49th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

There really is no positive spin that will appease the Columbus Blue Jackets 5th line (fan base.) I do believe that by trading Oliver Bjorkstrand the door is now open for Krill Marchenko, who is the Blue Jackets #2 ranked prospect if he has a strong training camp to slide into a starting right wing (RW) role on the team.

In the end something had to give. In these situations the GM makes calls and does a lot of busy work. It could very well be that the 3rd and 4th round draft picks was the best return the organization could get.

No matter what, the Columbus Blue Jackets are in very good shape heading into training camp and the regular season. As for Oliver Bjorkstrand, Seattle please take good care of him. He is a good player on and off the ice.

Blue Jackets fans, leave a comment, give us your thoughts or simply vent, if you like.

Posted on

Was this timing calculated by the Columbus Blue Jackets

You’ve heard it at least once in your life, timing is everything. It is hard not to look at the Columbus Blue Jackets and the organization’s offseason and think this is a bit more than coincidence. For years the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have had a stranglehold on the Metropolitan (Metro) Division. With both Pittsburgh and Washington’s Stanley Cup window all but closed, the Columbus Blue Jackets have made their move.

Looking back at the 2019 Blue Jackets season, that year saw the team trade for some high profile players in hopes of making some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. When the team was knocked out of the playoffs the players walked as free agents. Looking back that may have been intentional.

For years Columbus Blue Jackets fan base have heard both team President, John Davidson and General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen say that Columbus is wonderful and they could attract free agents. Yet, that did not happen. Until this offseason.

CALGARY, ALBERTA – MAY 18: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates before the game against the Edmonton Oilers in Game One of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 18, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the Penguins and Capitals in decline, Kekalainen made his move. signing coveted free agent Johnny Gaudreau and his teammate and friend in Calgary Erik Gudbranson. Stunning the hockey world, yet Kekalainen said that the signing should put any false notion to rest. Free agents will come to Columbus.

So hear me out for a moment. If the Columbus Blue Jackets front office, gave the city and fans a peek at what could be in 2019, yet felt that it was not the right time to go all in they had a plan in place the whole time.

What if Jarmo Kekalainen allowed the division’s “top dogs” to do what they had been doing? With aging rosters and up against the salary cap not to mention both the Penguins and Capitals minor leagues in shambles due to winning, the Blue Jackets front office was willing to wait it out. Until now.

PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 22: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 22, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)

I do believe Kekalainen, I think that both Johnny Gaudreau who said he wants to be a Blue Jacket and Patrik Laine (who the team signed to a 4-year extension yesterday)  has expressed his love for Columbus, shows that players will come.

This has been a franchise changing offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets who suddenly look like one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

 

Posted on

GM Jarmo Kekalainen has pushed the Columbus Blue Jackets reset forward

When Columbus Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen, announced the organization was entering a “reset” many thought that was code for rebuild. After Columbus stunned the hockey world Wednesday night by signing free agent left wing (LW) Johnny Gaudreau it appears it was and is a reset after all. Now it looks like the Blue Jackets are set to start the climb back to the NHL Playoffs.

Johnny Gaudreau is a playmaker. As in elite playmaker. Last season with the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau amassed 40 goals, 75 assists and 115 points. While many people were shocked at the signing, Gaudreau said that he had Columbus circled as a possible destination during free agency.

Until the news broke Wednesday evening, Columbus was never a hot bed for NHL free agents. Now with Johnny Gaudreau those days may be over. Again, Gaudreau said he had Columbus circled as a possible team he would sign with. Meaning, he wanted to come to the Blue Jackets.

Back to Jarmo Kekalainen, who said after the 2019 exits of Artemi Panarin and other high profile players he wants players who want to be in Columbus. Players like Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 05: Jakub Voracek #93 and Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 at the Wells Fargo Center on April 5, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

Columbus is set on the left side. With Gaudreau, Laine and Jakub Voracek. The team still needs to come to terms with Laine on a new contract. It makes you think does the team view Voracek as a long term player or will they attempt to move him to free up space to sign Laine?

During his press conference Gaudreau spoke highly of Laine and sure made it seem like he wants to be on the same team as him. So what does this mean for the Blue Jackets moving forward?

COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 4: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames controls the puck during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 4, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot of talent. The team is still young, but they are armed with Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Boone Jenner, Gustav Nyquist, Jack Roslovic, Emil Bemtrom, Alexandre Texier, Gaudreau, Vorceck and Laine.

In order to be in the mix for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Columbus would need to pick up at least 19 more points this season. Many of the teams young players have a full season under their belts and are expected to take the next step. Which is possible.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are clearly a team on the rise. This will be a fun season and one that very well could see them back in the playoffs.

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on the Columbus Blue Jackets.