Columbus Blue Jackets prospects have made their way to the annual tournament in Traverse City. Among those standing out after the first two games was 2015 CBJ draftee Paul Bittner.
Since being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Paul Bittner has had trouble finding his way on the ice. He suffered a hip injury and even contemplated stepping away from hockey at one point.
Now, Bittner is healthy, and he looks much more like the second round pick that the Blue Jackets made in 2015. So far, he has three points in two games in Traverse City.
Great period by the Blue Jackets but the big standout for me was Paul Bittner. He was noticeably on the puck during the first stanza.#CBJ
— Sam Blazer (@Sam_Blazer) September 8, 2017
This has us thinking: Where would Paul Bittner fit into the Blue Jackets lineup?
Possible Portland Winterhawks reunion
In junior hockey, Paul Bittner played with current CBJ forward Oliver Bjorkstrand. Not only were the two teammates, they played on the same line.
Their on ice relationship led to much success for the Portland Winterhawks, as Bjorkstrand won WHL player of the year in 2014-15. It would more likely occur next year rather than this season, but a reunion isn’t out of the cards.
If Bittner continues to impress, there’s no reason why they couldn’t end up on a line together in Columbus. Since the two are bother wingers, Pierre-Luc Dubois is a candidate to play with them at center.
It may be a reach at this point, but who knows what the Columbus Blue Jackets roster will look like next season. A trade that shakes up the lineup is always an option with Jarmo Kekalainen.
On the other hand, Bjorkstrand looks like he’ll be around for a while. Meanwhile, Dubois is pushing for playing time this year and Bittner is rising. This line combination can bring speed, skill and grit to the Blue Jackets.
Next: Predicting a Cam Atkinson Extension
Bittner will play with the rest of the CBJ prospects in Traverse City tomorrow night, and on Tuesday for the championship. If he puts together a strong season, he could make his way back into the mix of the Blue Jackets future plans.