2014 Traverse City Prospects Tournament: Columbus Blue Jackets Update

The Columbus Blue Jackets entered the 2014 Prospect tournament as 1 of 8 teams that had a chance to display the young talent that doesn’t get the big league spotlight. They have been drafting well over the last 4-5 years, something that was never a staple of the early Blue Jacket front offices. Columbus may have not been the favorites entering the tournament, but have played very well through 2 games. They beat the Minnesota Wild 6-4 on September 12th, then used a 3rd period comeback on September 13th to beat the Detroit Red Wings and improve their record to 2-0.

Sep 17, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kerby Rychel (52) shoots during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets are locked into September 16th’s Championship Game, their opponent is yet to be determined, even though they are locked into the title game, they have another game on Monday against the St Louis Blues. That will close out the divisional round of the tournament, then the Columbus Blue Jackets will have a chance to bring home the championship.

The three 1st round draft picks from 2013 made an impact in game 1, they all scored a goal, and Kerby Rychel added 3 assists to his 1 goal. Anton Forsberg got the win between the pipes, thanks to a barrage of scoring by the Blue Jackets youngsters. Oscar Dansk protected the net in game 2, he started slow just like his comrade Forsberg did in game 1, he eventually calmed down and kept the Blue Jackets in the game until the young forwards could find the back of the net. Josh Anderson and Markus Soberg evened it up at 2 in the 2nd period. Marko Dano scored, what I have been told is an amazing goal, I tried to find video of it, yet came up short.