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Five Columbus Blue Jackets Ready to Shine in 2019

By Lansing Murphy

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils at 5:31 of the first period at the Prudential Center on December 23, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 23: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils at 5:31 of the first period at the Prudential Center on December 23, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Columbus Blue Jackets
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 22: Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his first period goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with his teammates on the bench on December 22, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Zach Werenski

Much has been said about the 21-year-old’s play this year, especially on the defensive end, but there is no doubt that Werenski’s offensive play is heating up. He has a five game point streak going and is seeing increased time on ice.

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Werenski has been criticized for his defensive performance but let’s not forget, Z hasn’t even played in 200 games in his NHL career. For years the learning curve for defenseman in the NHL was 400 games until they were established. It takes time for blueliners to learn the playing styles of the top forwards in the league and learn how to play at a high level against them.

There is no doubt that Werenski has the skill to put up eye popping offensive numbers. The elite defensive play will come with time. He has all the tools to become a Norris candidate year in and year out alongside of Seth Jones.

Werenski will flirt with 20 goals this season and he will break the 50 point mark for the first time in his career. All of this will come despite a horrendous power play that is not producing anything whatsoever.

The 2019-2020 season will be where the Michigander breaks out defensively and continues his offensive dominance. Next season will be a year where the Jackets could see two finalist for the Norris Trophy.

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