Bold prediction #3: The Blue Jackets will win more than 30 games, and exceed 75 points this season.
This franchise desperately needs to take a step forward. While I won't go as far as predicting a playoff run, I do think they are capable of moving a few paces up the standings.
They haven't won 30 games since winning 37 in 2021-22. That year, they finished with 81 points; well out of a playoff spot, but they were still playing meaningful games late in the year.
That's what needs to happen this season. They need their young players to see what it takes to play meaningful hockey in March and April. The hope being that next season they can push towards a wild card spot.
More importantly: they need to do this for the fans. We have been very patient through this rebuild, with Nationwide Arena selling out almost nightly; with our only return being a terrible, bottom of the pack NHL team.
The 5th Line deserves a team that fights until the end - even if they do come up short. If the defensive structure is improved, the goaltending will be better. If both of those things happen, and the team can find a way to generate a little bit of offense, I think they can hit both the 30-win and 75-point marks.
Our next bold prediction has us taking a guess at the team's leading scorer.