Jake Christiansen, perhaps to most observer’s surprise, became a mainstay in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ lineup this season. He earned himself a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Columbus through the end of the 2026-2027 season.
This may have come as a bit of a surprise to less dialed-in fans, but Jake more than proved that he deserved a long term look at the NHL level as a third pairing left shot defenseman for the Jackets.
Christiansen put up a 1-7-8 line in 68 games played this season, while posting just 11 penalty minutes and finishing the year with a +6 rating during his time on ice. While his production numbers may not look all that impressive, some of his underlying statistics speak to the growth in his game and the utility he added this season to the club.
Per MoneyPuck.com, Jake posted the 4th lowest Expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (3.08 GAA), 2nd lowest High Danger Shot Attempts Against per 60 minutes (2.96 shot attempts against) and 3rd highest On Ice Goals % (52.2%) among all 9 defensemen that stepped on the ice for the CBJ for at least a single minute this season.
While these numbers compared against the rest of defensive corps across the NHL are dismal at best, it speaks to perhaps Jake’s ability to play within the new system of Dean Evason while continuing to hone his game.
Prior to this season, Jake was mainly known as an offensive defenseman in the AHL. He was the primary power play quarterback for the Cleveland Monsters and put up 46 points in 62 games. I really think we saw Jake’s game round out in the defensive end and he continues to work to develop himself as a two-way 3rd pairing LHD that can play both sides of the ice when required.
So, what’s next for Christiansen now that he’s become a part of the future plans for the Blue Jackets? Jake’s contract is a one-way, and he has exhausted his waivers exemption, so barring a severe regression in his play, we have seen the last of him in a Cleveland Monsters jersey.
I imagine he will want to use the offseason and training camp to continue to round himself out into a decent two-way LHD, which I am confident that he will continue to do if his progression this season is anything to go off of.
I’d also like to see him have a consistent pairing partner next year. The third pairing assignments seemed to change nightly this season and I think Jake could really build some decent chemistry with either Jordan Harris or Erik Gudbranson.
Harris was a consistent healthy scratch for most of the season but really turned up his play at the end of the season, which leads me to believe the pending RFA will be resigned. Gudbranson, on the other hand, was injured for most of the season. Time will tell if he will get the opportunity next season.
Either way, welcome back to Columbus, Jake, you’ve earned it!