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The Three Biggest Surprises and Disappointments for the Blue Jackets

By Curtis Deem

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets waits for a puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets waits for a puck drop against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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We asked the question on Twitter this week: in your opinion, who is the biggest surprise for the Blue Jackets this season? Also, who is the biggest disappointment? The fifth line did not disappoint, offering plenty of great arguments for both sides. You can read them here. Today, we’ll discuss some of our picks.

One common theme in the list of surprises is the play of rookie forward Kirill Marchenko. Despite only being in Columbus for 55 games, he’s already set a new mark for goals by a CBJ rookie with 21, while earning top line minutes alongside Johnny Gaudreau. But if you’ll recall – we were really high on Marchenko in the preseason, even mentioning potential Calder Trophy love before the season.

That’s probably not going to happen, since Marchenko spent such a large chunk of his season in Cleveland. While he’s been great to watch, he doesn’t make my list of surprises because I knew he was going to be good (though admittedly, not quite this good). Instead, I looked in different directions.

TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – APRIL 4: Kirill Marchenko #86 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

First positive surprise: Adam Boqvist

This one might seem like it came out of left field, but hear me out: even though he’s got NHL experience, Boqvist is the same age as Marchenko (22). This season, he’s sitting just three points behind Marchenko, and he’s played in 13 fewer games. Also, he’s a defenseman.

Prior to the season, I was very much on the train of thought that Boqvist would be playing for an opportunity elsewhere; that he would be passed up by better options like Nick Blankenburg, or younger options like David Jiricek. Instead, Boqvist has quietly had the most productive season of his young career. He’s matched last season’s point total (22) in 11 fewer games.

Injuries aside, Boqvist has emerged and established himself as a potential top-four defenseman, who can quarterback a #1 power-play and be productive. He’ll need to play protected minutes, but my perspective on him has changed quite a bit because he’s been really good this season. Hopefully he can stay healthy and prove it even more next season.

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