Columbus Blue Jackets: Building the Soon-to-be Best Defensive Core

In recent years, the Columbus Blue Jackets have had a defense that’s been a liability. Today, the opposite can be said.

Rebuilding the defense has been a priority for the Columbus Blue Jackets front office over the past couple seasons. The rebuild is finally showing up on the ice and it now warrants one question: Will the Blue Jackets soon have the best defensive core in the league?

When thinking of the current group of d-men, they really do have it all.

The prodigy

Zach Werenski has the potential to be the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets defense for the next ten years. For Werenski to be as good, defensively and offensively, as he was last year proves he has elite talent.

The nomination for the Calder Trophy speaks volumes about his abilities. In a year filled with so many talented rookies, Werenski was still one of the best.

What makes him elite is his vision, consistency and rising to the occasion in big games. If he continues down the path he’s on, expect Norris Trophy nominations, and a win or two, before the end of his career.

In one season, Zach Werenski gave the Blue Jackets a much needed high-end defensive talent.

The shutdown defensemen

David Savard and Jack Johnson stepped up in a big way last year. After the two had a combined -23 rating in 2015-16, the pair saw a +79 swing in 2016-17.

Savard and Johnson were constantly on the ice for important face-offs and key situations. They aren’t always flashy, but they provide the grit and shutdown capabilities that every hockey team needs.

The two are a solid second pairing in Columbus. They won’t get as much press as Werenski, but they can wear down opposing players.

None of this is to mention up-and-coming prospect Gabriel Carlsson, who got a taste of the NHL at the end of last season. He was a first round pick in 2015 and has, “shut-down defenseman” potential according to EliteProspects.

The depth

Yet to be named are Seth Jones and Ryan Murray, two former top five draft picks with high upside. Jones, a 2017 NHL All-Star, is up there with Zach Werenski when it comes to elite potential.

Jones made an immediate impact with the Blue Jackets in 2016 and has been a fan favorite ever since. He is a key piece what may be the soon-to-be best defense in the league.

As for Murray, he can still be productive despite what is considered an underachieving career thus far.

For what it’s worth, the Jackets struggled at the end of last season after Murray went down with an injury. The good news for him, though, is all the newly acquired depth allows him to continue to work on improving his individual game.

He will only be 24-years old at the start of next season. Ryan Murray can still be a difference maker for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Additionally, Markus Nutivaara and Gabriel Carlsson proved their worth in the Stanley Cup Finals as a rookie. They give the team a good six and seventh options and will be valuable in case of injury, or whatever may happen over the course of a long season.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets Have Star Power at Every Position

The Blue Jackets defensive group has come a long way in a short amount of time. Time will tell whether or not they become the best defense in the NHL, but what we know is the assets are here and, for the most part, young.