4 Columbus Blue Jackets to Watch in the 2018 Preseason Opener

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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 08: Anthony Duclair #91 of the Chicago Blackhawks watches for the puck in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on March 8, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Columbus Blue Jackets made two, sneaky good free agent signings. Getting a former 20 goal scorer who is only 23-years-old for just $650,000 is one of the best signings made by any team in the league.

Anthony Duclair has had some problems in his short time in the league and he’ll be the first one to admit it. He did so several times during his media availability last week. But he views his time in Columbus as a fresh start and a chance to get his still promising career back on track.

The winger has all of the talent in the world and has shown he can score at a high level. The Jackets are spotting him on the wing of their top line center, Pierre-Luc Dubois, tonight. He will get a good chunk of minutes alongside the best center in the organization.

The deployment shows the team wants to see what Duclair can do with his second chance. This is a great opportunity to show that he can still deliver some offensive firepower and is ready to compete for a spot on the roster.

The competition for a wing spot is fierce this training camp and Duclair won’t be able to just walk into a spot on the opening day roster. In fact, his toughest competition is playing on the team fielded tonight.

Those skaters don’t have the benefit of lining up next to the organization’s number one center though. That is an advantage Duclair can’t afford to waste tonight.

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