Union and Blue
Fansided

Columbus Blue Jackets Preseason Game #2: Four Players to Watch

By Lansing Murphy

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: The Columbus Blue Jackets draft Liam Foudy in the first round of the 2018 NHL draft on June 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: The Columbus Blue Jackets draft Liam Foudy in the first round of the 2018 NHL draft on June 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next

Gabriel Carlsson

Columbus Blue Jackets
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 23: Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 23, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) /

We have chronicled the battle for the 6th and final defensive slot that opened up this offseason when Ian Cole and Jack Johnson left. Although there are some intriguing options with some of the offseason signings the Jackets made, the final spot will come down to one of three Jackets.

Last night two of them, Scott Harrington and Dean Kukan, took the ice against the Sabres. Tonight, it’s Gabriel Carlsson’s turn.

The former first round pick had a rough season in 2017-2018 as he suffered a back injury that hampered him for most of the season. Carlsson, 21, is still growing and the back injury made it difficult for him to skate at all.

This year the high end defenseman is looking to bounce back and fight his way toward a roster spot in Columbus. The organization is high on Carlsson and he could become the third NHL defenseman drafted in the 2015 draft by the Jackets along with Markus Nutivaara and Zach Werenski.

Carlsson has always had a great first pass so keep an eye out for how he is snapping the puck around. Also keep an eye on how he is moving out there. He is a smooth skater but not elite. His back issues made his movement all the more difficult. It’ll be important to see him moving well tonight if he hopes to crack the opening night roster.

Next. Toughest 5 Game Stretch in 18-19. dark

Another preseason game means another opportunity for players to make an impression. Who do you have your eyes on tonight? Let us know in the comments.

Home/Editorials