Grading The Newest Blue Jackets: Part One discussed four of the newest players on the Blue Jackets. In part two I will go over four more players which include: Tim Erixon, Blake Comeau, Marian Gaborik, and Brandon Dubinsky. In part one, Sergei Bobrovsky earned the highest grade with an A. I am not so sure anyone is going to beat that grade, there are a couple players in part two that could come close though, lets take a look.
In no particular order…
March 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Tim Erixon (20) during overtime against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Columbus won 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Erixon: Erixon, one of the new young blue liners, showed great potential this year. He did not produce much, only 5 points, which were all assists, but it should be recognized that he was a plus 4.
As apart of the Rangers organization he played for the Connecticut Whale in the AHL and in 2011-12 he had one of his best years statistically, 3 goals, 30 assists, for 33 points in only 52 games played. Obviously this was one of the reasons he was part of the Nash trade. With it being his first full season in the NHL, I think Erixon performed admirably. {B-}
Blake Comeau: Comeau was picked up at the trade deadline from Calgary, and I don’t exactly know why yet, but I am excited about him. Statistically he did not play well at all in Calgary, but when he showed up in Columbus he had almost as many points in 9 games as he did in 33 games with the Flames. Sometimes a simple change of scenery will revive a career. Comeau had put up decent numbers in the past with the Islanders, so hopefully he can return to form and be a regular contributor for the Blue Jackets. {B-}
April 17, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik (10) moves the puck against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sheldon Souray (44) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Marian Gaborik: Gaborik, who was in a similar situation as Comeau, fell to the wayside as a Ranger. Gaborik has produced three 40+ goal seasons in his career, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping he can add more to his resume. Gaborik played well in the 12 games with the Blue Jackets at the end of the season, scoring 3 times, and assisting on 5 goals, for 8 points. Gaborik will have the pressure of leading the charge in the goals department next season, lets hope he doesn’t disappoint. {B}
April 17, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) moves the puck against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Dubinsky: Dubinsky missed quite a few games due to injury this year, but when he was on the ice he played particularly well. In just 29 games played, he scored 2 goals, and had 18 assists for 20 points. He was better than par compared to his previous seasons with the Rangers.
If Dubinsky could of stayed healthy he may have had his best year of his career. Dubinsky has also shown that he is ready to play a pivotal role for the Blue Jackets and become part of the new cornerstone of the franchise. {B+}
B’s all around for the group of four in part two. I think it is safe to say that this group has a little more upside than the players graded in part one. Dubinsky, and Gaborik should be at the top of the list for points next season, and young Erixon will continue to grow on the blue line. The biggest question mark of this group is Comeau, can he rejuvenate his career as a Blue Jacket?