Columbus Blue Jackets: Nick Foligno Getting a Look at Center
The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently lacking depth at center. Nick Foligno, though predominantly a winger in his NHL career, could be the one who steps in down the middle.
After Thursday night’s game against the Nashville Predators, Nick Foligno has played center in two straight preseason games for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He scored a goal and added an assist in the win against Nashville, which doesn’t hurt his case to make the move.
Foligno’s possible move would leave the team without two right wingers from last year, assuming Josh Anderson doesn’t come back.
Torts also says he will continue to look at Nick Foligno in the middle. #CBJ
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) September 25, 2017
It wouldn’t be the worst thing, however, because it looks like Sonny Milano and Pierre-Luc Dubois can step in and contribute as wingers this year. Besides, in the year Foligno was increasingly utilized as a center (2014-15), he had a career year.
Impacting the Lines
Nick Foligno moving to center would give the Blue Jackets’ forwards a fresh look. No Foligno on the right means Oliver Bjorkstrand would need to increase his role, which he appears ready to do.
It also opens up an opportunity for Tyler Motte, Zac Dalpe or Markus Hannikainen to crack the lineup. One of the three will likely need to step in for the Jackets this year.
I’d expect Foligno to slot in most nights as the third center, if he makes the move. If Foligno proves he can win faceoffs, and play a good enough two-way game as a centerman, he could definitely stay there the whole season.
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With prospects like Kevin Stenlund and Sam Vigneault ready to challenge for a spot soon, Foligno isn’t a long-term solution. But for now, he is qualified enough for the position.
The captain won’t back down from anything the team needs him to do to succeed. With the regular season only seven days away, he may just be the best option.