Columbus Blue Jackets: Who Should They Be Thankful For This Season?
By Nathan King
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
At a 9-12-3 record heading into Wednesday night’s tilt with the Nashville Predators the Columbus Blue Jackets have seen their fair share of ups and downs. In the spirit of Thanksgiving this week, we here at Union and Blue would like to point out a few of the bright spots the Jackets should be thankful for at this point in the season.
Number 19 in Union Blue is having a breakout season in 2013. He has easily been the Blue Jackets’ most consistent player, bringing his A-Game night after night. Monday night against the Maple Leafs was a coming out party of sorts with Joey potting 2 goals, and it is showing that the hard work he has put in the past two seasons is paying off huge. After the departure of Rick Nash, the CBJ was left without a star on offense. Johansen is making the right kind of moves to be the new star in Columbus. Joey is currently first on the CBJ in goals with 8 and second in points with 16. At this scoring rate Johansen is on pace to break the 20 goal plateau.
2. Ryan Murray
If your name is Ryan, you’re probably having a solid season in Columbus. The rookie defenseman has quietly put together a very nice season so far. He has arguably been the Jackets’ best D-Man in 2013, and he has definitely been the most consistent. After missing all of last season and his debut with a shoulder injury, Murray has come into the league a grown man. He has been paired with James Wisniewski and is finding assignments on the power play, against top lines, and against superstars. Murray currently has 3 goals, 2 of which are on the power play. He has six points total and is a +2 for the season. The future is bright for this rookie.
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
3. Nick Foligno
Despite personal issues off the ice with his newborn daughter, Nick Foligno has played exceptionally well this season. When Foligno is in the lineup he has been an impact player in both the dressing room and on the ice. He is emerging as a leader on a young Jackets squad that has yet to name a captain. Foligno may not be the man for the job, as most of CBJ Nation has Brandon Dubinsky picked out for the C, but there is little doubt of his leadership abilities. Whether he is setting up Johansen on a 2 on 1, getting dirty in the corners, or taking on known brawler Tom Sestito in defense of a teammate, you know Foligno comes to play night in and night out. He currently has 5 goals through 18 games played, including 1 game winner.
These are just a few players that the Columbus Blue Jackets should be thankful for this Thanksgiving. There are probably a few other things the Jackets could be thankful for on this roller coaster season, but we’re going to leave that up to you. Let us know below in the comments!