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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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After plenty of poor physical showings last season, the Jackets added some size and toughness to the roster over the summer. First, they signed Erik Gudbranson to add grit and experience to the back end. But it was the addition of another player that has turned out well, in my opinion.

Second positive surprise: Mathieu Olivier

Feb 19, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Nick Ritchie (12) and Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) fight during the third period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Nick Ritchie (12) and Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) fight during the third period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Jackets added Olivier in a move that slipped under the radar, acquiring him from Nashville a week before the draft. Having not spent much time in the NHL (48 games), it was hard to see Olivier as much more than an extra forward for the team.

Instead, Mathieu earned a fourth line role right out of the gate, and until his injury two weeks ago, had been a leader and consistent depth player for the Jackets. More importantly, he’s not just the pugilist that we thought we were getting; he’s been good on the forecheck and reliable in the defensive zone. In fact, it was a blocked shot that caused his recent injury.

He’ll never be a top-six player for the team, but he’s proven capable of the role he’s in, and has some flashes of skill here and there. He’s not the classic enforcer in regards to penalties either – you don’t see him running around and taking bad ones. Olivier is an RFA this summer and seems like a great guy to keep around.

Third positive surprise: Patrik Laine

Watching Laine’s development has been astounding. It’s been just over two years since the Jackets acquired Laine in exchange for disgruntled center Pierre-Luc Dubois. A former second overall pick, Laine was somehow cast as an outsider from the Winnipeg Jets’ core group, and his start in Columbus was rocky at best.

He earned early visits to the doghouse from John Tortorella. That first season was a mess overall, and a change in coaching philosophy was definitely needed. He was more productive last year, but struggled to stay healthy and it still felt like he had a lot more to give, even with 56 points in 56 games. This year, he produced at a slightly lower rate with 52 points in 55 games … but for the first time, I feel like we’re starting to see the elite NHL talent that was expected of him in his draft year.

He’s been a lot more noticeable on the ice in a good way. We aren’t seeing as much of him drifting around the outside, waiting for the play to come to him. He’s been more engaged, and has been working harder away from the puck this season. He volunteered to play center when things got tough – and honestly, he looked really good there, especially for a guy who’s never really played there before.

Mar 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine (29) handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Patrik Laine (29) handles the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

At 24 years old, he’s entering the prime of his career. He’s matured a lot in our brief time watching him, and this year I could make the argument that he’s transitioned from young, carefree star – to a young leader on this team. Like almost everyone else on the roster, staying healthy is the key to a big season for Patty next year.

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