The Columbus Blue Jackets third overall draft pick from 2016 is set to make the NHL opening night roster.
Just a few short hours before the Columbus Blue Jackets set their opening night roster, we learn of one confirmed skater making the squad. And it’s not much of a surprise, but it’s still a big deal.
According to Mikaël Lalancette of TVA, Pierre-Luc Dubois will start the 2017-2018 NHL season in Columbus as a member of the Blue Jackets. The 19-year-old made waves when he was selected as the third overall draft pick in 2016 instead of Jesse Puljujarvi. Those waves now look unfounded as Dubois stepped up and shined in the second half of the year in the QMJHL, now has reportedly made the Columbus Blue Jackets roster.
Meanwhile, Puljujarvi will not be on Edmonton this season after flaming out last year. Jesse will spend some more time in the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors before having another chance to make it in the NHL.
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PLD Line Uncertainty
Dubois moved from wing to center last season in the QMJHL, and there has been talks that the organization would like to see him at center. But now is not that time.
PLD played the majority of the preseason at wing and will start the season there alongside veteran and CBJ captain Nick Foligno. The uncertainty at center has forced another shift to center for Foligno. Finishing off this line will be Oliver Bjorkstrand for a high ceiling, but rather unproven line.
Dubois has shown that he can play down low and go into the corners to dig out pucks. He plays fine on the defensive end as well. His nose for scoring isn’t quite to the level of Bjorkstrand, but its still not bad.
Getting Nick Foligno playing at a high level at center will be key for Dubois. Foligno will have to make plays to get both Dubois and Bjorkstrand open this season. He will also need to cover for the two defensively as they certainly will blow plays frequently in their first full NHL season.
Expectations
Columbus Blue Jackets fans are coming off an incredible season. Following Zach Werenski in his first year in the NHL was incredible. But a season like that is incredibly rare.
Dubois wont be going out there and putting up 47 points like Werenski did. That’s mostly due to the fact that he won’t be running one of the league’s best power play unit.
PLD will be on a line that will flux between second-line role and third-line role. The Brandon Dubinsky line will not get second-line roles until a healthy Boone Jenner returns. That said, the third line will have some opportunities. Dubois will also get a chance to make the second power play unit where he could add some scoring.
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From a numbers perspective, double-digit goals would be fantastic. It’s a realistic goal that would be a big step for Dubois. Tack on 15 or 20 assists, and I think a 30-point year is in reach and would be a great sign from the rookie.
Welcome to the show, kid. This is the perfect time for Dubois to continue proving his draft selection was the right pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets.