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Cursed or Clever? The Injury Wire & The Draft

By Raymond McElmon

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 08: Andrew Peeke #2 and Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets interact during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 08: Andrew Peeke #2 and Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets interact during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 08: Andrew Peeke #2 and Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets interact during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 08: Andrew Peeke #2 and Liam Foudy #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets interact during the second period of the game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on January 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

The Blue Jackets are currently dealing with the injury bug at EVERY turn. In fact Laine, Gaudreau and SEVERAL others have been injured throughout the year.

Heading into tonight’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes, the roster currently has 9 players on injured reserve including captain Boone Jenner and key players like Zach Werenski, veteran Jakub Voracek, and 23 year old goaltender Daniel Tarasov who boasts a 0.907 save percentage in 12 of 40 games (just under a third). He’s likely to replace Joonas Korpisalo as the back up moving forward, after the trade deadline.

It is worth noting as well, a large part of Tarasov getting as many minutes as he did, is yet again thanks to the injury bug that has been plaguing the Blue Jackets.

Dec 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov (40) makes a save against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov (40) makes a save against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Could the Blue Jackets actually be clever instead of cursed though? Well, if the Blue Jackets had a strong healthy team of stars at any time this season they’d be expected to win and be a middle of the road team at the very least. We’d still be missing that top franchise center. Instead, a poor season means that they will have higher selections at the draft.

I really see the Blue Jackets looking for a center or a dual threat to move to center down the stretch; in fact I could even see them acquiring a couple additional picks just to ensure they get at least one NHL ready center and possibly two.

Boone Jenner is my favorite player and anybody who follows me will see that continue; however he should be moved down to the second line following the draft, or a season after with the future line mate of Gaudreau and Laine stepping into his role when fully ready.

Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his game winning goal against the Los Angeles Kings with Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine (29) in overtime at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his game winning goal against the Los Angeles Kings with Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine (29) in overtime at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports /

The injury bug adds a factor of “we aren’t a bad hockey team,” we’ve just been completely battered, bruised and injured all season. Something to strike hope into the fans and for good reason, this team has a lot of potential with our rookies currently leading the NHL in all rookie scoring.

dark. Next. Jackets Host the Canes at Nationwide

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