Here is our uneducated, best guesses at attempting to predict what the Columbus Blue Jackets roster will look like once the regular season gets started. DISCLAIMER - We may be wrong.
We will start from the back end and work our way forwards. If you don't know hockey, that means goalies, followed by defensemen, followed by the forwards. Ages will follow each name to highlight just how young this squad is.
Goalies
Spoiler - it's the Bob show. The team will lean heavily on Sergei Bobrovsky (24), he of his new $11.25 million deal. The 2013 Vezina Trophy winner will be counted to build off of last season's success. It is very tough (read: virtually impossible) for goalies in the modern era to have back-to-back seasons with save percentages .930 or better. Can Bob do it again? The team certainly hopes so.
Curtis McElhinney (30) was slated to be the backup, but an injury may force Mike McKenna (also 30) up to Columbus to hold down the fort, or should I say bench as Bob will be starting for quite a few games. Jeremy Smith (24) is also on the mix, but probably on the outside looking in.
Defensemen
The blue line is very deep as the team feels very good about their first nine to ten guys on the back end. But only six dress for each game with the option of scratching a seventh.
Locks:
The top line duo will almost certainly be Jack Johnson (26) and Fedor Tyutin (30). Both guys bring a solid two way game and should excel on the power play.
Penciled in as the second pairing are two shutdown defensemen - Dalton Prout (23) and Nikita Nikitin (27). Prout led the team in +/- last year as a rookie with a +15 rating through 28 games. Nikitin struggled a bit last year after a breakout 2011-2012 season.
The last "lock" is James Wisniewski (29). Wiz is somewhat injury-prone in his career, but provides much needed offense on the blue line as well as toughness on the back end. He is a power play specialist for a unit that was dreadful last year.
On the Bubble:
The sixth and final spot could very well be 2012 No. 2 overall pick Ryan Murray (20). Murray was injured before the NHL season began last year and has had a long road back from shoulder surgery. He has been paired with Wiz in the preseason several times.
Tim Erixon (22) has some NHL experience and could very well be starting come Opening Night. Erixon was acquired in the Rick Nash trade.
There are two other guys knocking on the door - Cody Goloubef (23) who scored his first NHL goal last season, and Ilari Melart (24). Melart was a free-agent signing from Finland in the offseason, but he may need extra time to adjust to the NHL's smaller rinks.
Out:
We have David Savard (22) pegged as an odd man out. He did not look ready when he was called up during last year's playoff push in April. Will Weber (24) is another young player who is just on the outside of the top six.
-An interesting note is that even though both Goloubef and Savard were resigned this summer, they would have to clear waivers to get to Springfield under the new CBA rules. This could complicate matters for the team as the regular season approaches.
Forwards
Here is something you're not used to saying in Columbus - the Jackets have a lot of depth among their forwards. While the details of who will be playing at LW remains unanswered, there is a pretty clear picture of who will be starting against Calgary, barring any further injuries.
Locks:
Artem Anisimov (25), Cam Atkinson (24), Matt Calvert (23), Blake Comeau (27), Brandon Dubinsky (27), Nick Foligno (25), Marian Gaborik (31), Boone Jenner (20), Ryan Johansen (21), Mark Letestu (28), and R.J. Umberger (31) will likely be in the lineup on October 4th.
That is 11 of the 12 forwards spots. Both Derek MacKenzie (32) and Jared Boll (27) are battling injuries but would likely start if healthy on Opening Night. Do not forget Nathan Horton (28), who should be ready to go by December.
On the Bubble:
Jack Skille (26), Michael Chaput (21), Cody Bass (26), Ryan Craig (31 - Springfield's captain last season), Jonathan Marchessault (22), and Sean Collins (24) make up that group that is just on the outside looking in. Many will likely see time if injuries occur. Skille will have to clear waivers to get to Springfield - a similar situation to Savard and Goloubef.
That is where the roster sits right now. This could change at any moment due to injuries of course. The Jackets will likely have one of the youngest teams in the NHL this season as Adrian Aucoin and Vinny Prospal are not back this year - both were pushing 40. The Jackets, by not resigning Prospal, are the only team in the NHL that does not have their leading point scorer back from last year. They are counting on the young guys to pick up that slack and score "by committee." It remains to be seen if all that youth and potential can translate into wins this season.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Countdown: TEN DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT
Fall is in the air, the leaves (or Leafs in Toronto) are changing as the temperature drops, the kids are back in school, football is back...scratch that, HOCKEY IS ALMOST BACK!
In just ten short days, the NHL will return. And this time it will be the full 82-game slate because there ain't no stinking lockout this year!
With a couple preseason games left, the injury bug appears to have bitten the Blue Jackets. Backup goalie Curtis McElhinney is out at least another week with a lower-body (groin?) injury. He is questionable for opening night, but who really cares...BOBROVSKY! Bob will obviously be starting, assuming he stays healthy.
On defense, Dalton Prout made his debut last night returning from surgery on August 15 to repair a torn muscle in his abdomen. Matt Calvert also debuted last night from a pulled groin. Speaking of last night...the Blue Jackets looked lifeless in a 2-1 shootout loss against Minnesota. The Wild fielded basically an AHL team as they sat their six biggest stars and starting goalie.
Nikita Nikitin is battling a "dent" in his foot/ankle after taking a puck. No timetable is set for the Russian's return but he should be in the lineup on 10/4 against Calgary. Both Jared Boll and Derek MacKenzie are out with injuries, putting them in jeopardy of starting for the home opener. Cody Bass, who wasn't expected to make the final cut anyway, suffered a broken thumb against the Wild.
Due to the injuries, the Jackets have re-called (called back up?) three forwards from Springfield - Dalton Smith, Sean Collins, and Jonathan Audy-Marchessault. They will be making the trip to Buffalo for the preseason game tomorrow.
As for opening night, the Blue Jackets have not sold out the October 4th tilt with Calgary according to CBJ officials. WHAT THE HECK CBUS?? Get on the bandwagon now and buy your tickets! They're available at bluejackets.nhl.com.
As opening night gets closer, we'll have a full preview up for the 2013-2014 season. Due to the continuing injuries, it's pretty hard to predict opening night lines at the moment. That picture should become clearer after the final two preseason games - at Buffalo on Wednesday and home against Carolina on Thursday.
In just ten short days, the NHL will return. And this time it will be the full 82-game slate because there ain't no stinking lockout this year!
With a couple preseason games left, the injury bug appears to have bitten the Blue Jackets. Backup goalie Curtis McElhinney is out at least another week with a lower-body (groin?) injury. He is questionable for opening night, but who really cares...BOBROVSKY! Bob will obviously be starting, assuming he stays healthy.
On defense, Dalton Prout made his debut last night returning from surgery on August 15 to repair a torn muscle in his abdomen. Matt Calvert also debuted last night from a pulled groin. Speaking of last night...the Blue Jackets looked lifeless in a 2-1 shootout loss against Minnesota. The Wild fielded basically an AHL team as they sat their six biggest stars and starting goalie.
Nikita Nikitin is battling a "dent" in his foot/ankle after taking a puck. No timetable is set for the Russian's return but he should be in the lineup on 10/4 against Calgary. Both Jared Boll and Derek MacKenzie are out with injuries, putting them in jeopardy of starting for the home opener. Cody Bass, who wasn't expected to make the final cut anyway, suffered a broken thumb against the Wild.
Due to the injuries, the Jackets have re-called (called back up?) three forwards from Springfield - Dalton Smith, Sean Collins, and Jonathan Audy-Marchessault. They will be making the trip to Buffalo for the preseason game tomorrow.
As for opening night, the Blue Jackets have not sold out the October 4th tilt with Calgary according to CBJ officials. WHAT THE HECK CBUS?? Get on the bandwagon now and buy your tickets! They're available at bluejackets.nhl.com.
As opening night gets closer, we'll have a full preview up for the 2013-2014 season. Due to the continuing injuries, it's pretty hard to predict opening night lines at the moment. That picture should become clearer after the final two preseason games - at Buffalo on Wednesday and home against Carolina on Thursday.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Boone Jenner Making His Case
Last season, after the lockout shortened pre-season "camp" to virtually nothing, Boone Jenner was the last cut. He was sent to his back to his junior team in Oshawa where he put up 82 points in 56 games. The Blue Jackets didn't want his entry-level deal to kick in just yet.
Coming into camp this month, the thought was Jenner would likely start out at AHL Springfield, and perhaps garner a call-up later if injuries occurred. The top 12 appeared to be pretty well set with everybody coming back except Vinny Prospal. Nathan Horton was signed in the off-season, although he won't be ready to go until November or December.
Jenner's position is in the middle at center - a position where the Jackets are loaded. Anisimov, Johansen, Letestu, Dubinsky, and MacKenzie all are expected to make the team as centers. Given the depth, the coaches have also tried out Jenner as a left-winger. In the preseason, he's mostly played alongside Dubinsky and Gaborik, a line that has thoroughly dominated.
Throw those expectations out the window. Jenner is solidifying himself as one of the best forwards on the team, even at just 20 years old. He has put up 3 goals in 3 games and has set up opportunities for others every game. He's making the decision increasingly difficult on the staff.
Todd Richards has said as much. He was quoted as saying it's not much of a decision right now, regarding Jenner making the team. Dubinsky said, "that guy works his (rear end) off." Jenner hasn't just displayed skill, but a tough grit that the Jackets are looking for. He had two goals, including the game-winner, in Saturday's 5-3 win at Pittsburgh.
With just a few preseason games remaining, one of the remaining questions about the roster are where Jenner is going to play. At this rate, Boone should start looking for an apartment or condo to call his own in the 614. Hopefully his preseason play translates to the regular season. Either way, this is a new problem for the CBJ - too many good players and not enough roster spots.
Coming into camp this month, the thought was Jenner would likely start out at AHL Springfield, and perhaps garner a call-up later if injuries occurred. The top 12 appeared to be pretty well set with everybody coming back except Vinny Prospal. Nathan Horton was signed in the off-season, although he won't be ready to go until November or December.
Jenner's position is in the middle at center - a position where the Jackets are loaded. Anisimov, Johansen, Letestu, Dubinsky, and MacKenzie all are expected to make the team as centers. Given the depth, the coaches have also tried out Jenner as a left-winger. In the preseason, he's mostly played alongside Dubinsky and Gaborik, a line that has thoroughly dominated.
Throw those expectations out the window. Jenner is solidifying himself as one of the best forwards on the team, even at just 20 years old. He has put up 3 goals in 3 games and has set up opportunities for others every game. He's making the decision increasingly difficult on the staff.
Todd Richards has said as much. He was quoted as saying it's not much of a decision right now, regarding Jenner making the team. Dubinsky said, "that guy works his (rear end) off." Jenner hasn't just displayed skill, but a tough grit that the Jackets are looking for. He had two goals, including the game-winner, in Saturday's 5-3 win at Pittsburgh.
With just a few preseason games remaining, one of the remaining questions about the roster are where Jenner is going to play. At this rate, Boone should start looking for an apartment or condo to call his own in the 614. Hopefully his preseason play translates to the regular season. Either way, this is a new problem for the CBJ - too many good players and not enough roster spots.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Update: CBJ Halfway Through Pre-Season
Hard to believe Jackets fans, but the pre-season slate of games is already half over. The CBJ's have already played four of their eight pre-season games, all coming in the last four days. Additionally, the first wave of cuts came down Wednesday, but the larger cuts should be coming out today (Thursday) or Friday. Coach Todd Richards has said he'd like to be down to one group - roughly 30-35 guys - by the weekend.
Injury update:
-Matt Calvert has been out the past week with a groin injury. He should be good to go by next week.
-Nathan Horton is on track for his return some time in November or December.
-Dalton Prout is on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule for his return. The team expects he'll get a pre-season game or two in coming up. He has resumed practicing, though he is not cleared for full contact.
Pre-season games in the books:
The Jackets won 5-4 in OT over Pittsburgh on Sunday. Ryan Murray made his NHL debut and did so in dramatic fashion, netting the game-winning goal on the rush thanks to R.J. Umberger's set up.
The team then followed that up with a split-squad night on Tuesday. The team at home, playing against Buffalo, lost 3-1. Coach Richards was not happy to say the least. Bobrovsky made his pre-season debut in net for a couple periods, letting in two goals. The "younger" of the two squads was sent to Minnesota and won 3-1 thanks to Ryan Johansen, Cam Atkinson, and Mark Letestu - the veterans on the road trip. Little-known Jeremy Smith stopped 20 of 21 shots in his first NHL action in net.
The Jackets followed that up with a 5-4 win at Carolina on Wednesday night. The top line of Boone Jenner - Dubinsky - Gaborik turned heads as they combined for 3 goals (5 assists, 8 total points).
Cuts:
Five cuts were made Wednesday as many of the junior clubs get underway.
-Goalie Oscar Dansk (second-round pick in 2012) was sent back to his junior team of last season in the OHL. This isn't really a surprise, as he's looked at more of as a "project" at just 19 years of age. He had an outside opportunity at making the Springfield team.
-2013 second-round draft pick Dillon Heatherington is back with his WHL team. The blue line is pretty stacked right now as it is.
-Among the forwards, Josh Anderson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Nick Moutrey were also sent back to their junior teams.
One-timers:
-Kerby Rychel is the only 2013 first-round pick at CBJ camp. This is more of a reflection of the depth among the organization and not a knock on Dano or Wennberg (the other two first rounders).
-Boone Jenner is turning heads. It will be extremely hard to keep him off the team this year.
-Cam Atkinson is getting a look at the top LW spot. Cam has played RW his whole career, but with Prospal not coming back he may make the switch to his off wing.
-James Wisniewski and Ryan Murray have been paired up on defense for two pre-season games. This could be a sign of some chemistry. Look for a 29/27 pairing on opening night.
-Veteran goalie Tim Thomas and his agent denied rumors this past week about going to Columbus. The whole situation is a bit unclear, but it's an obvious sign that management is still looking at the free agent pool to improve the team. That said, McElhinney should be a decent enough backup for 10-15 games this year.
Expect a clearer roster picture by next week. The 614 will keep you updated. And remember, just two weeks until the regular season kicks off. Time is certainly flying.
EDIT - And just like that, 18 roster cuts were made this afternoon, including Rychel. No real surprises among the 18. You can find the names of all those no longer at camp at bluejackets.nhl.com.
Injury update:
-Matt Calvert has been out the past week with a groin injury. He should be good to go by next week.
-Nathan Horton is on track for his return some time in November or December.
-Dalton Prout is on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule for his return. The team expects he'll get a pre-season game or two in coming up. He has resumed practicing, though he is not cleared for full contact.
Pre-season games in the books:
The Jackets won 5-4 in OT over Pittsburgh on Sunday. Ryan Murray made his NHL debut and did so in dramatic fashion, netting the game-winning goal on the rush thanks to R.J. Umberger's set up.
The team then followed that up with a split-squad night on Tuesday. The team at home, playing against Buffalo, lost 3-1. Coach Richards was not happy to say the least. Bobrovsky made his pre-season debut in net for a couple periods, letting in two goals. The "younger" of the two squads was sent to Minnesota and won 3-1 thanks to Ryan Johansen, Cam Atkinson, and Mark Letestu - the veterans on the road trip. Little-known Jeremy Smith stopped 20 of 21 shots in his first NHL action in net.
The Jackets followed that up with a 5-4 win at Carolina on Wednesday night. The top line of Boone Jenner - Dubinsky - Gaborik turned heads as they combined for 3 goals (5 assists, 8 total points).
Cuts:
Five cuts were made Wednesday as many of the junior clubs get underway.
-Goalie Oscar Dansk (second-round pick in 2012) was sent back to his junior team of last season in the OHL. This isn't really a surprise, as he's looked at more of as a "project" at just 19 years of age. He had an outside opportunity at making the Springfield team.
-2013 second-round draft pick Dillon Heatherington is back with his WHL team. The blue line is pretty stacked right now as it is.
-Among the forwards, Josh Anderson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Nick Moutrey were also sent back to their junior teams.
One-timers:
-Kerby Rychel is the only 2013 first-round pick at CBJ camp. This is more of a reflection of the depth among the organization and not a knock on Dano or Wennberg (the other two first rounders).
-Boone Jenner is turning heads. It will be extremely hard to keep him off the team this year.
-Cam Atkinson is getting a look at the top LW spot. Cam has played RW his whole career, but with Prospal not coming back he may make the switch to his off wing.
-James Wisniewski and Ryan Murray have been paired up on defense for two pre-season games. This could be a sign of some chemistry. Look for a 29/27 pairing on opening night.
-Veteran goalie Tim Thomas and his agent denied rumors this past week about going to Columbus. The whole situation is a bit unclear, but it's an obvious sign that management is still looking at the free agent pool to improve the team. That said, McElhinney should be a decent enough backup for 10-15 games this year.
Expect a clearer roster picture by next week. The 614 will keep you updated. And remember, just two weeks until the regular season kicks off. Time is certainly flying.
EDIT - And just like that, 18 roster cuts were made this afternoon, including Rychel. No real surprises among the 18. You can find the names of all those no longer at camp at bluejackets.nhl.com.
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