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Columbus Blue Jackets: Three Players that Could Move Up

By Michael Mallory

Sep 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) misses a shot on goal in the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry (35) at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 1-0 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (28) misses a shot on goal in the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry (35) at Nationwide Arena. The Penguins won 1-0 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Newly named Cleveland Monsters showed they are full of talent winning last years Calder Cup, and they have three players that could stick with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets had their struggles last year and could use new blood to help put them in the right direction. At the end of the season the Blue Jackets called up many players from their AHL affiliate to give them a taste of what it’s like in the NHL.

Oliver Bjorkstrand

Oliver Bjorkstrand was the one call up who really made his case to be a full time member of the Blue Jackets. He put up 8 points in his 12 games with Columbus. Bjorkstrand had a hot start with 2 goals in his second NHL game against the Devils.

Bjorkstrand is a 21-year-old Danish winger that showed he can be an exciting NHL player and who is not afraid to shoot the puck. He is also a very talented passer that can find his teammates. Bjorkstrand will be given a long look in training camp to make the Blue Jackets and will be a surprise if not named to the Blue Jackets opening night roster.

Sonny Milano

Another Monster’s winger that could be given a real NHL look is left winger Sonny Milano, who has smooth hands. Milano is a very talented young winger that still might be a year away, but deserves to be in the conversation because of his talent.

Sonny will have to really impress the Columbus Blue Jackets brass in training camp to make the NHL club, but he showed in the Blue Jackets development camp that he is a top tier prospect in the Blue Jackets system. During the team’s 3 on 3 prospect tournament, Sonny showed how his mix of speed and hands could be a very dangerous combination in open ice. Milano’s biggest concern is if his body is truly NHL ready because his talent sure seems to be.

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Zach Werenski

Defense-man Zach Werenski is one Monster who has yet to play for the Blue Jackets but could potentially make the jump over to the NHL. The former Michigan product played with the Monsters after the Wolverines were eliminated from the NCAA tournament.

Werenski is only 19-years-old but showed in the AHL that he has no problem playing against older players. He showed his versatility scoring 14 point in 17 games while playing defense. He also shows poise with the puck which is huge when looking at a defense-man’s NHL readiness.

The Blue Jackets are very young on the blue line, but if Werenski makes the team, he could learn from Seth Jones and Ryan Murray who are two young defense men that know what is expected at the NHL level.

The infusion of new blood to the Blue Jackets roster will make them a better team. With that being said, coach Tortorella is not handing any young guy a roster spot. The spot  will have to be earned in his grueling training camp right before the season starts in October.

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