Columbus Blue Jackets Don’t Need a No. 1 Center, They Already Have One
Every hockey team needs a top-tier center. Fortunately, the Columbus Blue Jackets have one.
Most teams are in either one of two categories: an established No. 1 center or lacking one completely. The Columbus Blue Jackets, however, are in the middle. The difference between the Blue Jackets and other teams is that theirs is still emerging.
Alexander Wennberg is a No. 1 center, but he is still developing in to the player that he will be for the next 10 (or so) years in the NHL.
Wennberg’s impact
Last season was Wennberg’s first full year being heavily counted on. He responded by improving all aspects of his game.
Really impressed with Wennberg's improvement. High end speed, high IQ. https://t.co/aVwaRaxIBH
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) November 20, 2016
Statistically, Wennberg has bettered in each of his three seasons, which doesn’t even tell the full story. His confidence has grown in each season as well, demonstrating his ability to mature as a player.
What makes him No. 1 center-material is not only his skill, but his proven ability to adjust and evolve.
Former Blue Jackets forward Brandon Saad wrote about Wennberg, “He’s got a killer instinct on the ice,” in the Players’ Tribune late last year. I’d say a two-time Stanley Cup winner is a pretty reliable source.
With the addition of one the league’s top players in Artemi Panarin, Wennberg is poised to take the next step.
Shoot the puck!
It’s obvious how good of a passer Alexander Wennberg is. Once Wennberg realizes he is, in fact, allowed to shoot the puck, he will be that much more of a force down the middle for the Jackets.
Wennberg’s shot will be key in his emergence as a No. 1 center. It will make him dynamic and less predictable, which would make the Blue Jackets much better.
Ideally, he’d be able to put up at least 20 goals as a top-line center. After his 13-goal campaign last year, he’s headed in the right direction.
We’ve only seen the beginning of Alexander Wennberg in the NHL. He’ll be only 23-years old at the start of next season.
Next: Zach Werenski Sophomore Slump
The addition of Panarin and emergence of other young players means that Wennberg will have more talent around him than ever before. Look for Wennberg to really put it all together this season.