Columbus Blue Jackets: Markus Nutivaara 2018-2019 Season Expectations

Markus Nutivaara is beginning to show himself as the 7th round steal of the 2015 NHL draft. Coming off an impressive sophomore campaign, the Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping the young blue liner is just beginning to step into his prime. What to expect from #65 in 2018-2019.

The evolution of Markus Nutivaara is having a bigger impact on the Columbus Blue Jackets than most realize. The young Finn’s growth into a legitimate second pairing NHL defenseman not only elevated his own stock, but allowed the CBJ countless options within their defensive core.

With Jack Johnson openly wanting out of Columbus and short-term rental Ian Cole signing with Colorado, Nuti’s game arrived right on time. It is hard to argue any different. Thanks to his ascension from relative unknown to creative two-way defender, the Jackets have flexibility on the blue line that the franchise has never known.

In just his second year as a pro, Nuti played in 61 games for the Blue Jackets. Logging an average of just 16 minutes per night, the Finn posted an impressive 23 points (7G, 16A) and a defensemen leading +13 plus/minus rating.

The praise doesn’t stop there either. A lot of Markus’ worth takes a bit more research to flush out.

Among Jacket defensemen who played more than 50 games with Columbus, he led the way in shooting percentage at 8.9% and fewest penalty minutes with just 14.

Nutivaara isn’t a particularly aggressive or rugged defender, unlikely to pile up the hits (42) or blocked shots (40). This might contribute to his limited time in the penalty box, but it also draws more attention to his offensive capabilities.

If you watched #65 on the ice last year, it didn’t take long to notice how impressive he is with his first pass out of the defensive zone. His ability to find streaking forwards on the break is impressive for any position, at any stage of their career.

The fact that Nutivaara can provide this offensive threat makes him a fantastic third d-man option on the power play. In their few games paired together at season’s end, Nuti seemed to bring the best out of injury prone Ryan Murray. Having dealt with plenty of criticism of his own, Murray’s spotted career could benefit from Nutivaara’s evolution.

When healthy, Murray is considered a two-way defenseman as well. If they enter 2018-2019 as left and right partners, don’t be surprised to see a bump in both players’ offensive output.

Having just turned 24, Nutivaara is still very young for an NHL defenseman. Obviously Zach Werenski is in a league of his own at a wee 21, but it would be spoiled of Columbus Blue Jackets fans to overlook the exciting rise of the Finnish defender.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Statistical Predictions:

If Nutivaara can stay healthy through 2018-19 and play a full season, I would not at all be surprised to see him breach the 30-point mark. In fact, I expect him to get very close or surpass the milestone.

Markus posted .38 points per game in 16 minutes per outing last year. At that rate, without improvement, he would score approximately 31 points in 2018-19. Even if his shooting percentage dips just slightly, I still predict a bump in output.

With the departure of Cole and Johnson, alongside his proven growth, I expect Nuti to see another 2-4 minutes per evening. This will lead to more shots, assist opportunities and a more deeply developed chemistry with a stable defensive partner.

If he can see time on the second power play and stay off the penalty kill unit, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nutivaara’s plus/minus climb towards the +20 range. If he lands on the PK though, it could hold steady at his respectable +13 from 17-18.

Goals: 9

Assists: 24

Plus/Minus: +18

Minutes per game: 19:00

Final Thoughts:

The most exciting thing we can expect from Markus Nutivaara in 2018-19 is more improvement. The young Columbus Blue Jacket has the good fortune of playing in the shadows of all-star pairing Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. A seventh round draft pick, he also surfaced quietly without a plate full of expectations.

This allows the Finn to develop without the presumptuous label of being an early selection. He also has the fortune of playing on a team that isn’t desperate for defensive depth. In his third year as a pro, I predict #65 continues to fine tune his defensive responsibilities while showcasing even more confidence in his offensive game.

On a team spoiled with talent at the blue line, Nutivaara has already established himself as the player who has overachieved most beyond his projected ceiling. Don’t be surprised if he finds another level to his play this year, logging more ice time and finding himself in pivotal points in tight games.

We all know how brilliant the 2016 Seth Jones contract looks just two years later for the Columbus Blue Jackets. I wouldn’t be the slightest bit shocked to have similar reflections on Markus Nutivaara’s recent four year extension at the end of this season. Nuti hasn’t fully arrived just yet, but he’s getting really close.