Columbus Blue Jackets: Looking Back at Day Two of Training Camp

After the dreaded two mile run on Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ice for the first time Friday. Separating into four groups, the team went through on-ice testing at Nationwide Arena.

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella called this season the most important in franchise history on media day. Tortorella will set the foundation for the entire season during these next few weeks at training camp.

Since Friday was the first time the Jackets skated at camp, the storylines will be pouring in from now until the end of the season. Here’s what you should know after two days of camp.

No sign of Josh Anderson

Finishing last season trending upwards left many feeling like Josh Anderson would be a Columbus Blue Jacket for the foreseeable future. This is especially true after the team gave up a first-round pick in the expansion draft to make sure he stayed with the team.

As of now, he’s still unsigned and not with the organization. According to Adam Jardy, the two sides haven’t made any progress.

Anderson is only hurting himself in this situation. If he doesn’t get a deal done, he leaves a spot open for someone else to take.

Dubinsky recovering well, Sherwood out

Brandon Dubinsky underwent wrist surgery in the offseason, but he still looks like a better version of himself, according to CBJ president John Davidson.

The thought is Dubinsky will be ready for opening night. His availability will be critical since the Blue Jackets already lost a center this summer.

In other injury news, prospect Kole Sherwood suffered a high ankle sprain. Sherwood will likely be heading to Cleveland this season to play with the Monsters.

Nutivaara is odd man out on defense

With the emergence of Gabriel Carlsson last season, the Blue Jackets have seven defenders capable of being dressed each night. Mark Scheig noted on Twitter that these are the pairs used yesterday:

It looks as if Markus Nutivaara would be the one scratched if the season started today. Maybe a defenseman will eventually be used as trade bait, but the defense looks solid heading into the season.

Atkinson contract extension may take a while

All-Star Cam Atkinson is heading into the last year of his current contract. According to Aaron Portzline, contract negotiations will halt once the season starts.

Related Story: Predicting a Cam Atkinson Extension

Extension rumors haven’t heated up yet, probably due to current talk about Josh Anderson. However, the conversation will intensify as the season goes along.

The line that Cam ends up on will influence his situation as well. If he’s on the top line, and they are contributing, the Blue Jackets will have to make a bigger offer.

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No matter what Atkinson does this year, people will be quick to judge what his next contract may look like. At the moment, there’s no need to stress about it as he’ll probably re-sign eventually.