The Metropolitan was arguably the best division in the NHL last year. This offseason, the biggest competitors of the Columbus Blue Jackets grew even stronger.
At the end of the regular season, three out of the top for teams in the NHL standings were from the Metro. The way it’s looking right now, things won’t be getting easier anytime soon for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Beginning with the draft lottery and on through free agency, significant moves have bolstered the lineups of multiple teams.
Let’s take a look back and check out some of the major acquisitions of the offseason in the Metro:
NHL Entry Draft
In late April, the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers leaped to the top of the draft in the lottery, allowing them to grab cornerstone players.
The picks turned into Nico Hishier and Nolan Patrick, two centers who will give the Blue Jackets trouble for many years. They’re both likely to be in the NHL this season, meaning their teams should immediately get better.
The Metropolitan Division will be crazy competitive in 2017-18. Here's a breakout candidate from each team. https://t.co/uRKncpCrnK
— FanSided NHL (@FanSidedNHL) July 24, 2017
Philadelphia had an additional first round pick (27th overall) and the New York Rangers also had two first round picks this year. Lots of young talent is coming in to the Metro in the near future.
Trades
Columbus Blue Jackets fans know all about making big trades. The addition of Artemi Panarin to Columbus, as well as a few other moves, will give the Metro a bit of a new look this fall.
Metro Division just added Artemi Panarin and Jordan Eberle, and after tonight, it'll have added Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier. Have mercy.
— Daniel Friedman (@DanJFriedman) June 23, 2017
The Devils snagged Marcus Johanssen from the Washington Capitals and Ryan Reaves found a new home with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Reaves will provide a strong physical presence while Johanssen will adds skill and depth to an emerging Devils roster.
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Scott Darling to strengthen their goaltending as well. He isn’t an elite talent, but his experience will provide good value to the Hurricanes.
Free Agency
Free agency affected the Metro in a big way this offseason.
Kevin Shattenkirk left Washington to join the New York Rangers. Nick Bonino left Pittsburgh for the Nashville Predators. Sam Gagner left the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Vancouver Canucks.
Additionally, the Flyers replaced Steve Mason in free agency with Brian Elliott who is looking to re-energize his career.
This year’s free agency wasn’t filled with any major shakeups. There were, however, a good number of established NHL players who moved in and out of the Metropolitan Division.
Impacting the Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets need to build off of last season’s success if they want to stay ahead of the other young teams looking to break out.
This year will be a huge swing year for the Jackets. A “same old Jackets” type year is exactly what can’t happen. They need to take the next step and prove themselves this season.
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There’s no reason to panic over the Metro getting even better this offseason, but it’s a good reminder that the Jackets always need to look to improve, no matter how last season went.