Columbus Blue Jackets Resign Brandon Dubinsky: Possible Captain?

After joining the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012 as a part of the trade for Rick Nash, center Brandon Dubinsky has left his mark. In 105 games with the Jackets, he has 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points. In his NHL career he has 283 points and is +31 in 498 games. He was expected to be an unrestricted free agent next year, but the club announced today that he has signed a six-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets.

 “Brandon brings tenacity and determination to our team every time he takes the ice” 

Although he only averages a point every game and a half, Dubinsky is a name that has stood out on the Jackets roster, particularly this past season. 50 points put him in third place on the team, only one point behind defenseman

. He was +5 this season, putting himself in 5th place in that category, and only one behind

and

who were +6.

Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Dubinsky brings more than just point production to the team, though. He has spirit, and you can see it almost every time he’s on the ice. He’s not hesitant about starting a fight or sticking up for a teammate when need be. He plays with heart and enthusiasm, and it’s fun to watch. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen had this to say about Dubinsky: “Brandon brings tenacity and determination to our team every time he takes the ice and he’s been an integral part of our growth and success over the past two years”. 

At 29, Dubinsky has decent NHL experience, but plenty of playing years left in him. That, along with his spirited play has put him at the forefront of the Blue Jackets captain talks. Although it doesn’t look like the club is any hurry to name a captain, Dubinsky is largely considered the front runner. He’s fun to watch, a mentor to the younger guys, has some heart, and really cares whether he wins or loses. What more can you ask for?

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Does this deal mean he is being considered for captaincy? The fact that they didn’t even wait until he needed to be resigned to ink him to a deal is telling. They want him on the team, and they want him here for awhile. He was part of the trade that sent away the last captain, so why not? Calling him an “integral part” of the team is a high complement, and shows the management thinks highly of him. Does this deal speak to a possible future captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets? Let us know what you think! Drop a comment below!