Five Columbus Blue Jackets Players Chosen For Olympic Teams

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Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards speaks with referee Chris Rooney (5) in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Photo By: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Olympic hockey rosters were announced last week, and (potentially) five Blue Jackets are going to be headed for Sochi.  As this is a huge stage for these players, there may be some fans and viewers outside of the Blue Jackets community that are not totally familiar with them.  So, we are going to take a look at each player, and why they were chosen to represent their respective countries.

Although this article is examining the players involved, it is also important to note that General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen was chosen as the assistant general manager for Finland, and Head Coach Todd Richards is an assistant manager for Team USA.

Jan 10, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) stops the shot of Carolina Hurricanes right wing Patrick Dwyer (39) during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Carolina 3-0. Photy By: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

1.  Sergei Bobrovsky

Since joining the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012 as an acquisition from the Philadelphia Flyers, Sergei Bobrovsky has been stellar.  In the shortened 2012 season, he was 21-11-6 with a goals against average of 2.00 and a .932 save percentage.

That 2012-13 season saw Bobrovsky win the Vezina Trophy and also be selected to the NHL First All-Star Team.

As it is still very early in his career, Bobrovsky hasn’t seen much action in national team play.  He won a bronze medal with Russia in the 2008 (Under 20) World Junior Championships and in the 2007 Super Series.

Nov 20, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin (6) shoots the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 2-1. Photo By: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Nikita Nikitin

While my opinion remains that Nikitin’s value on the ice has been hit-and-miss, he has also been named to the Russian Olympic team.  His numbers are starting to look better, and it is my hopes that being named to the Russian team will fuel his fire throughout the rest of the season.

So far this season in 37 games played, Nikitin has 2 goals, 9 assists and a team-leading +10 rating.

Nikitin won a gold medal on the Russian team in the 2012 World Hockey Championship, where he had 4 assists.  He also won a silver medal in the 2006 (under 20) World Juniors with the Russian team.

Dec 27, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin (51) skates the puck against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. The Columbus Blue Jackets won the game 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3. Fedor Tyutin

Fedor Tyutin is a staple on the Blue Jackets roster.  This season alone after 41 games, he is averaging 21:34 on the ice per game, has 4 goals and 14 assists.  He is a great defenseman, and definitely knows how to frustrate an offense.

Tyutin has had quite a career in his international play, and has represented Russia in the last two Olympic games.  He has won 4 gold medals in international and international juniors play.

Nov 20, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov (42) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

4.  Artem Anisimov

The acquisition of Anisimov by the Blue Jackets has proven to be a pretty good one.  His on-ice play continues to grow in Columbus, and the forward lines are really starting to come together.  His play this season has been very impressive, and after 44 games played has 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists) and a +1 rating.

Artem won a silver medal with Russia in the 2010 World Championships in Germany.  He has also won a bronze and a silver medal in the World Juniors.

Dec 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik (10) and Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) battle for the puck during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

5.  Marian Gaborik

First off, let me point out that Gaborik is currently out with a broken collar bone, and is slated to be back mid-February.  Depending on how he heals, he may or may not be able to perform for his country (Slovakia) in Sochi.

However, Gaborik is a pretty easy choice for the Slovakian team.  He has had a stellar NHL career, playing for the Wild, Rangers and Blue Jackets.  He hasn’t had too much success in Columbus as of yet, but that is mostly due to injuries.

Between World Championships and World Junior Championships, Gaborik has represented Slovakia 13 times between 1998 and 2011.  He won a bronze medal in the 1999 World Junior Championships.

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