Don’t know what to watch for in the Stanley Cup Playoffs now that the Columbus Blue Jackets are eliminated? Let’s check in on some former Blue Jackets who are still alive in the playoffs.
There are a total of nine former Columbus Blue Jackets players who advanced to the second round. Two of them were even in Columbus as recently as last season. Here are the former Jackets who are still in contention for the cup.
Ryan Johansen – Nashville Predators
After being traded for Seth Jones last season, Ryan Johansen has excelled in Nashville as their number one center. He scored six points in the first round sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks, including a three-point night in game two. Johansen has now advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight season in Nashville.
The Nashville Predators take on the St. Louis Blues in round two starting Wednesday at 8 p.m EST.
Rick Nash – New York Rangers
Rick Nash has played in the playoffs in each of the five years he’s been with the New York Rangers.
A member of the Blue Jackets from 2002-2012, Nash remains the franchise leader in points, goals, assists and games played.
The New York Rangers will face the Ottawa Senators in round two beginning Thursday evening.
Derick Brassard and Marc Methot – Ottawa Senators
The Blue Jackets’ first round pick in 2006, Derick Brassard played with the team for six seasons from 2007-2013.
Now with the Ottawa Senators, Brassard shined in the first round of the playoffs scoring eight points in six games. Like Rick Nash, this is Brassard’s fifth year in a row playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Additionally, former Columbus Blue Jacket Marc Methot will try to help the Senators advance through the playoffs. Since being traded for current Jackets captain Nick Foligno, Methot has played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times. He has been a staple on the Ottawa blue line since arriving via trade.
The Senators will match up against the Rangers in round two.
Mark Letestu and Kris Russell – Edmonton Oilers
Mark Letestu and Kris Russell advanced to the second round of the playoffs after their Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks in round one.
Letestu has been an important depth player for the Oilers this season. He compiled 35 points in 78 regular season games, as well as three points in six games in round one.
Russell, another depth player for Edmonton, has bounced around the NHL since leaving Columbus. He has yet to record a playoff point this postseason, but scored 13 points in 68 regular season games.
The Edmonton Oilers will face the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the playoffs with the first game starting Wednesday at 10:30 p.m EST.
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Ron Hainsey – Pittsburgh Penguins
Ron Hainsey probably won’t be a popular pick for Columbus Blue Jackets fans to follow for the rest of the playoffs being on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A former Blue Jacket for three seasons, this is Hainsey’s first year playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Penguins take on the Washington Capitals in round two starting tomorrow night.
Jared Boll and Antoine Vermette – Anaheim Ducks
Former fan favorite in Columbus, Jared Boll has yet to dress in the playoffs so far for the Anaheim Ducks. He will likely not see an opportunity this postseason unless an injury occurs.
Antoine Vermette played in four games in round one, contributing one assist for the Ducks. This is Vermette’s eighth time playing in the NHL playoffs, which includes a Stanley Cup in 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Anaheim Ducks begin second round play Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers at 10:30 p.m EST.
Next: Columbus Blue Jackets Finalist for Vezina and Calder Trophy