It will probably be another hard hockey season in Central Ohio. The Blue Jackets were already going to be up against the wall in a tough Metropolitan Division. The tragic death of their best player just last month, has made their odds even worse. But, if some of the young players can take a big step this season, they could show improvement.
I came up with a list of 8 players who could change this team's fate by playing up to greater potential this season. This is a list that doesn't include top prospects like Cayden Lindstrom or Denton Mateychuk. Today, we're focusing solely on guys that we know are going to play in the NHL this year.
The NHL roster is loaded with quality veterans like Boone Jenner, Zach Werenski, Sean Monahan, Erik Gudbranson, Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson, and Sean Kuraly, amongst others. But, outside of Werenski, none of these players are legitimate top of the lineup players.
They're all reliable and consistent. We know we can expect 20-30 goals out of Boone Jenner. Monahan is probably a safer bet to clear 30. Werenski may very well lead the team in scoring this season. But, asking for a lot more out of any of these guys is probably asking too much.
It's too late in the year to make a big free agent splash. There are probably not many teams throwing around top-line talent via trade, either. Instead, this team's improvements have to come from within. The talent they've accumulated at the top of the draft over the last few years has to take the reins and lead this team up the standings.
Who will that be? Let's start with the two most obvious players on the next page.