#2 reason the Blue Jackets contend: the young players break through, and the offense explodes.
In my opinion, this is the most likely thing to happen for the Blue Jackets this season, it just feels like a different energy this year. Led up front by star wingers Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine, as well as veteran pivots like Boone Jenner and Jack Roslovic; the Jacket offense has some nice pieces, but is mostly constructed around promising young future stars.
Several of them are prime for big breakout seasons. My prediction is that more of them “hit” rather than “miss” this season. Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli all look like they’re ready to contribute in big minutes. In the preseason, they’ve gotten solid production from Emil Bemstrom and Alexandre Texier. If they can find some combination of forwards that gives them three legitimate scoring lines, the sky really is the limit for their offense.
Don't blink, you might miss it!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 30, 2023
An ELITE pass by KJ and Danforth knocks it in for goal 2️⃣@FanaticsBook | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/c8LQ4F1dvC
I would argue that this is the most talented forward group this team has ever had. In fact, from an overall perspective, I don’t think it’s even close. This group will score goals if they can stay healthy and develop some chemistry throughout the lines. Whether or not it’s productive enough to make up for the team’s other shortcomings, is the real question.
#3 reason the Blue Jackets contend: the defense rallies.
The biggest takeaway for improvement that we had from last season, through all of the turmoil and injuries: this team needed to improve it’s back end. GM Jarmo Kekalainen went out and did just that this summer, acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. Suddenly, they went from a very young, inexperienced group – to one that should hold up just fine over an 82-game schedule.
Getting back a healthy Zach Werenski is crucial. With the additions, veteran Erik Gudbranson can return to a more limited third pairing role, which should make playing the game easier for whoever he’s paired with – likely Jake Bean. They still have a steadying presence in Andrew Peeke, while Nick Blankenburg, Adam Boqvist, David Jiricek, Stanislav Svozil, and Denton Mateychuk all have terrific upside.
This is a deeper group this year, that should be more prepared to withstand injuries and compete on a nightly basis. If they can find pairings that work, they can rally together and help keep this team from giving up 4+ goals per game. With their improved offense, in theory, a stronger defense could make this team a sneaky contender.