Columbus Blue Jackets Should Bring Back Marko Dano
By William Espy
The forward was one of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 2013 first round picks.
Marko Dano was a fan favorite during his stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. On top of that, it was also the best year of his career when he played along side Scott Hartnell and Alexander Wennberg.
It was announced Sunday morning by Elliotte Friedman on Twitter that Dano had been placed on waivers by the Winnipeg Jets.
Dano’s never gotten a shot at a full NHL season since being moved from the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first Brandon Saad trade in 2015. While he’s yet to prove himself as an NHL regular, Lukas Sedlak has been underwhelming this season and Alexander Wennberg needs a push. Could bringing back one of his most successful line-mates be the spark that Wennberg needs?
More from Union and Blue
- Blaming Columbus Blue Jacket Players for Babcock Fallout is Unfair
- The Mike Babcock Experiment in Columbus Has Failed
- Blue Jacket Prospects Win Traverse City Tournament: Who Stood Out?
- Mike Babcock Resigns as CBJ Head Coach: Reaction
- New Claims Bring Higher Level of Concern to Babcock Situation
While it seems like it’s been a long time since Marko Dano stepped on the Nationwide Arena ice as a Blue Jacket, he’s still only 23 years old. His stats in the NHL have reflected those of a bottom six forward at that level, while he’s also excelled while being in the AHL.
Dano has also been playing center at his points, meaning he could step into the role that Lukas Sedlak is currently filling. He also has a much higher ceiling than Sedlak in the long-run as a potential middle six winger.
With the Columbus Blue Jackets struggling as of late, adding a new face may shake things up. Dano seemed like the future of the Blue Jackets in his last stint, and maybe he could be again.
Next. Where Are They Now – Marko Dano. dark
Realistically, there’s little chance that Jarmo Kekalainen claims Marko Dano off of waivers as he’s not the type of general manager to make moves of emotion, as he should be. Hypothetically though, it’s certainly a fun idea to imagine Dano back in a union blue uniform every night.