The New Age of Blue Jackets Hockey

When the Blue Jackets started in 2000 it was some of the most exciting times I can remember.  This Hockey team was built around hard working and blue collar players and fans. For the most part the organization has stayed the same.

Mar 26, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman

(4) is checked into the boards by Columbus Blue Jackets left wing

(11) during the first period at Rogers arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

For This team to have the fans full support there has to be a player the fans can relate to. Matt Calvert is a player that defines the spirit of the Blue Jackets With his non stop effort, many fans consider him a favorite. Also the team must show signs of success. With the direction this organization is headed people should be absolutely excited. With the likes of Marian Gaborik who waived his no trade clause for a move to Columbus. Also before now, we never had gotten that big name in Free Agency, but with the signing of Nathan Horton, it shows that players want to play here. This is mostly credited to Jarmo Kekalainen and John Davidson.

This years draft being arguably one of the deepest drafts in recent history. The Blue Jackets had three first round picks which was huge for the organization. With our first pick we took Alexander Wennberg from  Djurgardens IF (SWE). A talented young center who isn’t quite NHL ready but in a year or two he will be a very important piece for Columbus. All of the first round picks have a great chance to become future stars. Much like Rostislav Klesla, Rick Nash and Jakub Voracek.

With the 19th pick we took Kerby Rychel, a Center/Left Wing from Windsor in the OHL. Now this guy has the NHL pedigree.  He is following in his fathers footsteps. His father Warren Rychel played in the NHL for 12 years. So the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree here. Rychel has great potential, so much that a lot of people believe he will be the future captain of the Blue Jackets. I feel this kid was the best pick we had in the draft. Last year Rychel scored 40 goals and had 47 assists in 68 games. He could be that scoring punch that Columbus needs as the battle moves east. I believe Rychel will become one of the best to ever play for the Blue Jackets.

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Kerby Rychel poses for a photo with team officials after being introduced as the number nineteen overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Our 27th pick was Marko Dano from Bratislava (SVK). Dano is a great skating Center/Right Wing who has that big body build that is loved in Columbus. He will have that physicality that is well known by Blue Jackets fans.  He can also be that skilled player that the Jackets need.

This team will be a force to be reckoned with. The move to the east will suit us well, our physicality will counter act the speed the Eastern Conference is known for. One thing I know for sure is that I am very excited with the direction our team is headed. As a loyal fan of this team since day one, I have put full Trust in John Davidson and Jarmo Kekaleinen. Whatever they decide to do I am behind them 100 percent.