Which Columbus Blue Jackets will make the 2018 All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 28: (L-R) Justin Faulk
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 28: (L-R) Justin Faulk
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 28: (L-R) Justin Faulk
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 28: (L-R) Justin Faulk /

The Columbus Blue Jackets sent three players to the All-Star game last season. How many will go this year?

A banner year for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016-2017 saw three Jackets heading to the All-Star game in L.A. last season. This year’s team will be announced on Wednesday, January 10th. The captains for the team have already been announced, including Alex Ovechkin who will be heading up the Metropolitan team.

Every team gets one player in the All-Star game so the Jackets will not be shut out unlike some of their recent on ice performances. Coach John Tortorella will not be heading up the team like he did last year. You can lock that up.

Lets take a look at the Columbus Blue Jackets candidates for the All-Star game and rate their probability for being selected to head to Tampa. Let us know who you think will be representing the Jackets in Florida during the festivities.

COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 31: Seth Jones
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 31: Seth Jones /

Seth Jones

Seth Jones is as close to a lock as you can get. Jones is 12th in points amongst defenseman in the league. He has the third most points amongst Metro defenseman. He is averaging 24:38 in time on ice and is all together the best shutdown defenseman in the division on top of his offensive production.

He has the 6th highest corsi for percentage amongst defenseman with at least 500 minutes on ice and third in the division. Jones is second in the league in fenwick for percentage, only behind Zach Werenski. All this according to Natural Stat Trick.

We could go on and on about his statistical dominance this season but if you have watched just one CBJ game, you know this guy is an All-Star. Pack your bags for Tampa, Seth.

Probability: 100%

COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 31: Zach Werenski
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 31: Zach Werenski /

Zach Werenski

One of the few players leading Seth Jones in possession numbers is his defensive partner Zach Werenski. He has a slightly higher corsi and fenwik for percentage than Seth Jones but not by much.

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Werenski is also topping Jones in goals this season. And every other defenseman in the league thus far. His 11 goals is one behind the Columbus Blue Jacket franchise record for a season. Just a reminder, there are still 38 more games left in the season.

Werenski’s point totals are respectable but he isn’t racking up the power play assists that he did last season. I think he takes some of the blame for the Jackets woes on the man advantage and that hurts his chances.

What hurts his chances the most though is the fact that Jones is having such a dominate season. It is highly unlikely that the Jackets get two defenseman on the team since each division only gets three defenseman and Philadelphia’s Shayne Gostisbehere is a lock to make the team as well. Sorry Zach, I think you’re going to have to wait until next season.

Probability: 30%

TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 8: Sergei Bobrovsky
TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 8: Sergei Bobrovsky /

Sergei Bobrovsky

The netminder for the Columbus Blue Jackets is no stranger to All-Star games. He represented the squad last year and during the 2012-2013 season. This year should add to that total.

Sergei’s season hasn’t been as exceptional as last season but he is still having a heck of a season. He is leading the division in goals against average at 2.4, shutouts with four, and second in save percentage at .922. He is also second in wins with 21 only behind Braden Holtby.

This all around dominance is being overlooked due to the team’s lack of consistent success like last season’s, along with the season fellow countryman Andrei Vasilevskiy is having in Tampa. But don’t let that distract you from another elite season Bob is having.

Bob will be in the All-Star game as well this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jackets take the one game suspension to have Bob sit out the festivities and stay healthy.

Probability: 90%

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 7: Artemi Panarin
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 7: Artemi Panarin /

Artemi Panarin

Panarin’s play this season has already justified the off-season trade that sent Brandon Saad to the Chicago Blackhawks. He has been dynamic and opened up the offense for a top line that is centered by a 19-year-old.

Panarin is right on pace for another 70 point season. He has made some incredible plays that have ended up on the highlight reels and he is certainly an All-Star talent.

But this season, the Metro has too many dominating forwards. Panarin is only 14th in the division in terms of scoring and there are already four players with at least 50 points and four with 20 goals. The level of competition amongst forwards is just too much for Panarin to make the team this year.

The long shot for 2018 will be a frontrunner in 2019. Sorry, Breadman.

Prediction: 10%

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