Apr 21, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu (second from left) celebrates with team after scoring the Blue Jackets third goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
With the offseason flying by, the roster for the upcoming year is starting to form. If you haven’t noticed yet, the depth chart on the Blue Jackets website has been updated to reflect the moves made so far this season. Players have been added, and some players even left off, leaving one to wonder if there will be more signings or lack there off, maybe even a trade? With new management in place these are all the unknowns going into a season. Here is a quick look at the depth chart as of right now. (Going into this with the thought that this is what the actual lines will look like, obviously players could be shifted wings to create more dynamic lines)
Offense:
Line 1: Nick Foligno, Artem Anisimov, Marian Gaborik
Line 2: Cam Atkinson, Brandon Dubinsky, Nathan Horton
Line 3: R.J. Umberger, Ryan Johansen, Mark Letestu
Line 4: Matt Calvert, Derek MacKenzie, Blake Comeau
Extra: Jared Boll
Defense:
Line 1: Fedor Tyutin, Nikita Nikitin
Line 2: Tim Erixon, James Wisniewski
Line 3: Jack Johnson, Dalton Prout
Extra: Ryan Murray
One player left off the depth chart is Vinny Prospal. There has not been any word that the Blue Jackets plan on signing the veteran winger. Matt Sexton has more on the Prospal situation here.
Two immediate thoughts about the depth chart;
Apr 25, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing
Blake Comeau(14) warms up before the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Comeau will not be able to revive his career on the fourth line, probably not even the third line. That being said though, he doesn’t exactly command the ice time because of his previous years numbers. Hopefully he can spark up some chemistry with his line-mates to be able to create some offense.
Where will Nathan Horton be playing? If he sticks with the right side then he is on the second line. Not exactly a bad thing as I keep looking at the chart. Dubinsky and Horton could be a nightmare for an opponents defense with how hard they work.
Ryan Murray is currently an extra on the defensive side, if he can make the roster, who will be the odd man out? Would it be worth it to see what Murray can do in the AHL and then decide on bringing him up. The biggest thing to consider is his development, you don’t want to rush him, but you also don’t want to hold him back.
Speaking of players who are in need of development, Boone Jenner, was left off of the depth chart. He will be in the same sort of situation that Ryan Murray is in. If he impresses, does he move up to the big leagues, if so who does he replace?
Have a thought about the depth chart? Feel free to comment with your thoughts about the perfect line combinations and roster adjustments.