Just a few days ago, the Blue Jackets finally wrapped up the last offseason task that needed to be taken care of by signing RFA forward Adam Fantilli. Now that he's back at practice, and we don't have to worry anymore, we can start to really look forward to this season.
Last year, I chose five players who I felt could be in line for a breakout season. I'll say I got two right, with Denton Mateychuk and Jet Greaves rather unsurprisingly (especially the latter) both playing a large part in the success that the Blue Jackets did have.
While they have played their way off of this list, I've added three new breakout candidates this year. With that being said, one player from last year is still in a great spot to take a big step this year, despite it not fully coming to fruition last season.
Adam Fantilli
I might as well start off with the player I began this article talking about. While a lot of us were hoping that Adam Fantilli could become the future franchise center that this team desperately needs, he will have a solid second crack at it this year.
The now highest-paid Blue Jacket is entering his fourth year in the NHL after showing slow, but consistent improvement in his first three. Now that he should have no worries about his paycheck going forward, I'm hoping some relieved pressure can allow him to truly break out.
If his innate hockey talent isn't enough, it's been made clear that his hard work and passion for the game should accelerate his ability to take his game to the next level.
He also should have a pretty solidified role on the top forward line. Even though there are still questions about Kirill Marchenko's future in Columbus, he's a natural goal scorer who should have some solid chemistry with the young center by now.
While the other top-line winger may not be fully determined yet, Fantilli should have a lot of talent surrounding him. Whether it's the new acquisition Valeri Nichushkin or fellow youngster and former Michigan Wolverine Kent Johnson, this should be an exciting and energetic trio.
Speaking of Kent Johnson, he's our next breakout candidate. We talk his potential and opportunity on the next slide.
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