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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2018 21:59:38 GMT
Jackets Set to Begin New Season
Last season was not one that goes down in the history books as a positive one for the Jackets, as the finished 30th in the NHL, yes last. The Jackets had a tough year, leading to major changes, the GM, the coach and the players are all getting a new look. The team looks much better on paper, the coach looks better, and management looks like it had a direction - to win! The Jackets shocked the hockey world when the went out and traded their 2nd overall pick for Alexsander Barkov and Anton Olsson, the Jackets added a franchise piece at the age of 26 and signed him to a 48 million dollar 6 year extension. Olsson is not a someone to sleep on as he has a chance to develop into a number 4 defender long term for the Jackets. The Jackets later swung a big deal to get a high end defender in Oliver Ekman Larsson who will come in and add a lot to the backend. Both Jamie Benn and Artemi Panarin along with Alexander Wennberg, Cole Caufield, will not be representing the Columbus Blue Jackets as both have been dealt to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Jordan Greenway, Jonathan Huberdeau, Hunter Shinkaruk who will play for Columbus. Jakub Chychrun and Tanner Pearson were traded to San Jose for Oliver Ekman Larsson, as well as Anthony Filterault who was traded for Frank Vatrano. All in all the deal ended up being Panarin, Benn, Wennberg, Caufield for Vatrano, Ekman Larsson, Huberdeau, Shinkaruk and Greenway. The Jackets were able to cash in on Benn and Panarin to add some much needed quality depth to the roster. It was a major overhaul and look for the Blue Jackets to take a step forward this year. CBJGMP: 0+4=4 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2018 22:08:54 GMT
Jackets Dealings Continued The Columbus Blue Jackets were busy as we discussed in our previous article and we will continue to look at the make over of the roster. Travis Hamonic was part of the Ekman Larsson deal, but was essentially traded for Ryan Pulock who was part of the Detroit deal. Dennis Cholowski and a pick was traded for Travis Hamonic and Darnell Nurse, who will makeup the third pair for this team as they will bring a physical element to the team, as well as strong leadership in Hamonic, who won a cup in San Jose. A couple of more minor deals that might pay dividends for the team were struck with Boston and Minnesota respectively, as the team traded a 3rd round pick for Kristian Vesalainen, who was as former 1st round, just never given the NHL chance, look for him to take on a larger role in Columbus, starting in the NHL likely. Vesa is big body at 6'3 and will need to improve his defensive game to become more of an impact player for the Jackets long term, realistically a good bottom 6 guy. The other deal is added Filip Chlapik, who is an ace in the circle and will anchor the teams 4th line, he was a bit more costly at a 2nd rounder, but is going to be great player who fits a good key role long term. With all the moving and shaking, the preseason is set to get underway, time will tell how the Jackets perfrom, but given the strong additions, growth in some of the team's key young guys should propel this team to a better season. Fans should look forward to a much more complete team, it may all come down to Robin Lehner being able to stop the puck, but hopefully we see a much better team here in Ohio. CBJGMP: 4+4=8 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2018 17:40:41 GMT
A Look at the Forwards The Blue Jackets are set to begin a new season, with a new team, new outlook and new found hope. Given the major dealings in the offseason, it might take sometime to really see what this team is made up of, but none the less here is what it looks like on paper. On left wing the team features: William Eklund, Hunter Shinkaruk, Kristian Vesalanien, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Kevin Hayes. On the right side: Nick Merkely, Connor McClennon, Jordan Greenway, Cameron Atkinson, and Josh Anderson. Up the middle the team bodes: Alexsander Barkov, Johnathan Huberdeau, Filip Chlapik, and Frank Vatrano. With those bodies look to see the lineup shake out something like this: William Eklund - Frank Vatrano - Nick Merkley Kristian Vesalanien - Jonathan Huberdeau - Connor McClennon Oliver Bjorkstrand - Alexsander Barkov - Jordan Greenway Hunter Shinkaruk - Filip Chalpik - Cameron Atkinson x- Josh Anderson, Kevin Hayes This looks like a much more complete team, as the 4th line is arguably better than the 2nd line iced last year in Columbus, Vatrano, Huberdeau, Barkov and Chalpik make up some really strong faceoff talents who will help the Jackets posses the puck in a greater capacity than last season. Eklund, Huberdeau, Barkov and Bjorkstrand should help to produce offence as the Jackets look poised to be a high octane team, who will focus on having the pucks on their sticks. CBJGMP: 8+4=12 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2018 17:47:52 GMT
The Defence Crop The forwards are much improved, but the defence might be the biggest improvement overall for this team as the team featured: Zach Werenski, Bowen Byram, David Savard and Dennis Cholowski as their top 4, which now has improved immensely with OEL and Dumba coming into the fold for the Jackets. The bottom pair is a vast upgrade for this team and there is no reason to not think that as Nurse and Hamonic are going to be an elite shutdown pair for the Jackets and will handle heavy penalty minutes for the Jackets. Werenski is poised to be the leader of this team as he is going to be wearing the 'C' for the Jackets this upcoming season, and rightfully so as he is a franchise defender for this team. The Jackets lineup sets up like: Zach Werenski - Oliver Ekman-Larsson Bowen Byram - Matt Dumba Darnell Nurse - Travis Hamonic The biggest X factor for this team will be Bowen Byram who is going to have to finally take that step forward to develop into a top pair guy that he is supposed to be. Byram has performed well and is a top 4 guy, but the Jackets are holding out for more still and there is more there. Anton Olsson is also going to be coming in the near future as he is coming over to join Cleveland this year, and will look to make that transition to pro hockey. CBJGMP: 12+4=16 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2018 1:35:06 GMT
16-15 GMP Media Doubler=1 GMP
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2018 17:17:06 GMT
Lehner The New Goalie The Jackets will be putting a lot of faith in Robin Lehner, who was acquired in a massive 5 team goaltender swap. Joonas Koripsalo went back the other way in the deal, as it was a straight up swap for the Blue Jackets. Lehner is more than capable of handling a starting NHL season, and has been backstopping a poorish Dallas team for the last few seasons, given the increased talent in Columbus there will be a great opportunity for Lehner to be a great addition for the team. Looking poised to start the season next week the Jackets are set up and ready to go as they will begin to sprinkle more veteran's into the lineup for the 2nd half of preseason. Given the turnover, it might take some time to find all the fits, and who can play which role. It will be a great job for the Head Coach as he has so many options up and down the lineup, snipers, passers, hitters, and 2 way guys make up this roster, the tools are there, but will they fit in the box?
CBJGMP:1+4=5 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2018 17:26:39 GMT
First Half of Pre Season, Done The Columbus Blue Jackets completed their first half of the preseason with a 1-2-1 record, boasting a rookie laden roster, not bad at all. Dean Rollins, taken 31st overall had an outstanding 4 game segment for a rookie, he stole the only win arguably as the Jackets were over matched, obviously given their young roster. The Jackets will continue to ice some of their young forwards and Rollins, but the veteran D will be making an appearance with Ekman-Larsson, Hamonic and Nurse will be lacing up the skates for the remainder of the Preseason. The Jackets top prospect outside of Rollins is probably, Anton Olsson, who will play in all 8 preseason games and likely find his papers taking him to Cleveland for the season, but none the less management is really happy with his growth. Simon Andersson, is the closest youth prospect outside of Byram, McClennon and Eklund, to push their way onto the roster, Andersson is going to need to add strength to his frame, but he is looking to be on track of being a good NHL player for the Jackets. Andersson is a guy to watch along with Olsson, for the American Hockey League team this season, as well as Carter Robertson who is a bit of an outside talent. Thomas Bordeleau and Brady Hinz are recent higher end picks as well for the Jackets that will be making their fulltime AHL debut this season. CBJGMP:5+4=9 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2018 18:26:43 GMT
Jackets Complete Preseason
The Jackets preseason has come to a close with all the prospects headed back to either the AHL or junior will allow the team to set their opening night roster. The Jackets look set to have about 1.1M in cap space to head into the season, with the ability to send down Vesalanien if need be to give the team more cap space. The new look Jackets team will get a big test to start the season as fans eagerly await the puck drop tomorrow. The preseason was not the best for Columbus, but as we know it is preseason and the lack of veteran presence likely impacted their results. Anton Olsson, had a tremendous camp for his first one in North America and looks poised to have a big year in Cleveland, Olsson, is seen as Nurse's replacement for next season so expect Anton to play heavy minutes for the Monsters. The Jackets really improved their defence depth within the organization this past offseason by adding youth and veteran studs to make an impact now. The Jackets defence is strong and talented top to bottom, as long as Lehner can play average the Jackets should be tough to beat on a nightly basis. Not to mention the offence that might be explosive is a great luxury the Jackets have never experienced in their existence, this could be the best Jackets team of all time. CBJGMP: 9+4=13 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2018 18:32:08 GMT
Jackets Release Opening Night Roster The Jackets have officially named their opening night roster for 2022-2023, with no surprises really outside of Simon Andersson going down, but given his age that is expected as the Jackets are wanting to see what they have in Vesa. Vesa had a really, really bad preseason and there is a chance Andersson might take his spot later in the season, but as of right now, Kevin Hayes, will make Kristian feel uncomfortable, as Hayes is a reliable veteran who can impact the game in a less harmful way. The Jackets are taking a flyer on Vesa and hoping it works out well for them, but given the depth it is not too big of a concern if he falls flat. With the Jackets adding some serious center depth as well as faceoff skill it looks like the puck possession will be vastly improved for the Jackets. Also the Jackets have a few stars, but are deep top from bottom and it should be expected to see this team compete for a playoff spot this season. We know the new management team wants to win, and with their moves, win now. It should be a great year in Ohio as the team looks to become a powerhouse, time will tell. CBJGMP: 13+4=17 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2018 17:29:02 GMT
Blue Jackets Ready to Start Season The Blue Jackets have a new captain, new team, new management and a new outlook, on a new season, lots of new and it is finally come to fruition as the puck with drop tonight. The Jackets look poised to have a big year, given that the Jackets are retooled, it might take a little time to fully gel or find that chemistry. The Jackets adding guys like Barkov, Ekman-Larsson, Hamonic, and Huberdeau will add big impacts for the team along with young studs like Werenski, McClennon, Eklund, and Byram all ready to take the next steps in their career's there is a blend of both youth and veteran talent. Zach Werenski is going to captain this team and be the franchise cornerstone back there, and will be for a long time for the Jackets, Zach has been a life long BJ and will be for the rest of his career. The Jackets have built around Zach and this is his first season as captain and also the most competitive Jackets team he has been apart of in his career. The Jackets defence core is much more complete and balanced, the depth up front from lines 1-4 is light years improved, especially the 3rd and 4th lines as they have really taken the step forward. All in all its going to a much more exciting year for the Jackets, as the team begins to form and take shape.
CBJGMP: 17+4=21 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2018 16:50:59 GMT
Blue Jackets 3-1-0
The Columbus Blue Jackets opened up the season with a tight game against the New York Rangers, losing 3-2, but after that game and a couple captain meetings, all of a sudden the Jackets won the next 3 in a row. Robin Lehner played well in 4 starts, with a 2.00 GAA and .912 SVP will be numbers that the Jackets hope he can maintain for the season, although that could be wishful thinking. Connor McClennon had a really good start as he put up 6 points in 4 games of action, Bjorkstrand picked up 4 points in as many games. Another note is Kevin Hayes got into action with an injury to Greenway, look for him to play the next game here. The Jackets used their entire lineup as nobody played under 10 minutes in the first 4 as the Jacket's depth is already starting to show as everyone outside of Dumba, picked up a point. The Jackets will look to find some consistency in their lineup and for the time being it looks like the lineup will remain in tact. Also we will see the season debut for Daniil Tarasov as the backup will be important along with the depth of this team if they want to make some noise this year. Given that the Jackets have only played 4 games, there will be a heavy serving of games coming up here really soon. CBJGMP: 21+4=25 |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2018 16:58:57 GMT
Jackets Happy with Start
The GM was very vocal in how impactful he felt beating the flyers, was for this teams confidence going forward. The Jackets blend of youth and veteran talent will need to come together and it will be up to the coach to make the right moves to find good chemistry amongst the lineup. So far it looks like the only line that might need some juggling is the top line, but given the lower shooting percentages and they take on the heavy matchup's there is a good chance that this line will get better as the season progress, especially once Eklund really find's his elite offensive skill at the NHL level, despite it being his rookie season. McClennon is entering his sophomore season without skipping a beat with over a point per game start, should bode really well for the Jackets.
Overall the Jackets seem to be happy with the progression they have seen from their team already, it is early, but if the Jackets can maintain this level of play it will be important and key as this franchise looks to make the big dance. If you break down the roster, other than perhaps an upgrade on the wing might be nice, but other than that there is not a lot this team can do to improve. Overall it looks like the pieces are there to have a great season, time will tell, but so far so good.
CBJGMP: 25+4=29
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2018 17:27:26 GMT
4+8=12 CBJGMP
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2018 17:53:54 GMT
Jackets 6-3-0-1 in October The Jackets finished the month of October with a strong record, currently slotting them 3rd in their division with 12 points, 3 behind the leading Capitals with 3 games in hand for the Jackets, who have a heavy November slate of games. The management team likely is feeling okay with the results they have seen thus far, but the defence core looks like it is still trying to find that proper fit amongst partners, as the coach has been playing with some lineup options. The Jackets top line has been a bit underwater the past little bit so perhaps it might be time to shuffle up the lineup card. The Jackets look like in practice that they are going to move Bjorkstrand up to flank Vatrano, sending Shinkaruk down to line 4, and Vesalanien is going to get a chance to play with Barkov and Greenway, which should be an excellent spot for the young forward. Barkov has really been coming on in the last few games, as has William Eklund, which can only be good for this Jackets team. The Jackets seem very content with the offensive catalyst line that is line 2, as they continue to create havoc on the opposition. Time will tell how the changes go, but look for the Jackets to try and win the division this season. CBJGMP: 12+4=16 |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2018 18:01:19 GMT
Shuffling of the Defence Core The Columbus Blue Jackets may have one of the deepest bluelines in PTPHL, but it is a new group of players coming together as only two and a half remain from last season. (Dumba traded to CBJ at deadline) The Jackets have kept Zach Werenski, current captain and franchise defender as well as young stud Bowen Byram who is finding his game in the NHL more and more every year. The additions of Travis Hamonic and Darnell Nurse has been seamless as the the two have fit together to form a formidable third pair for the Jackets. Now where the questions lie is with Oliver Ekman-Larsson who has not had a great start in Columbus is a negative player at the moment, so look for him and Werenski to be split up. Dumba and Byram seem to have played well together in the early going, as has the 2nd line they are paired with, so no need to change that up. The Jackets will look to swap Hamonic and OEL for now to see if that can help to balance out that top pair a bit more for the Jackets and perhaps create a few mismatches for OEL to impact the game more offensively. The Jackets also shuffling Bjorkstrand up should bring a more physical 2 way presence to help provide a bit more for Vatrano and Merkley, who have played quite well, just awaiting a few goals of Merkley's stick here soon. All in all the season is long and the Jackets will continue to try to find what works best for this team, and we will keep you updated. CBJGMP: 16+4=20 |
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