David Jiricek
It finally seems like the big prize in the Seth Jones deal is ready to make the jump full-time to the NHL this season. Honestly, whether David Jiricek is ready or not, it's probably time to see what he can do; and the club seems to agree with that notion, based on their preseason roster.
Jiricek has proven that he's too good for the American Hockey League over the last two seasons - averaging 0.68 points per game from the blue line. I would argue that he looked fine in his limited NHL minutes last season, and he deserved to be here all year. But, more seasoning is rarely a bad thing, and I'm interested to see how he does with a greater opportunity this year. He has all of the makings of a high-end two-way defenseman; size, a big shot, and the ability to lay a big hit when needed.
The biggest concern here is his foot speed and the occasional indecisive moment. Both of these things can be corrected by an improved defensive structure. I think the right coaching staff is in place in Columbus, to help put David into better positions overall. He may not break out in a big way this year, but I do think he's ready to contribute more. If he does break out - the Jackets will be much improved. He's exactly what they need.
Daniil Tarasov
It's now or never for Daniil Tarasov. For years, we've been told that he is the most talented goaltender in the system. Sometimes, we see flashes of that potential. But he's spent so much time on the IR that we have to wonder if he'll ever reach his full potential. Now 25 years old, he's entering what should be the prime of his career; but he hasn't played more than 28 games in any season - in any league - in five full years. In fact, he's only done that twice in his entire career.
If he can play this whole season as he did for a six-week period last year, he will become the team's starting goaltender. If not, I believe the team will walk away from his RFA contract next summer. Jet Greaves will no longer be AHL eligible next season, and it feels like the team is going to have to choose between Tarasov or Elvis Merzlikins, to pair with Greaves in 2025.
Tarasov does indeed have a high ceiling. If he stays healthy and plays like he did for the second half of last season, I'll go as far as saying that the Blue Jackets will contend for a playoff spot this year. That's how important the goaltending position is, and that's how good Daniil can be.
It goes without saying that all of these players likely won't pop this year. But, I do think that each of them are capable of at least playing in a larger role. And, for the Blue Jackets to truly be successful, these are the guys who have to lead the way. Until that happens, we'll continue to see them adding more and more young players to the system.
If I were placing bets, I feel confident enough that the first six guys on this list - all forwards (Fantilli, Johnson, Marchenko, Chinakhov, Sillinger and Voronkov) - are going to take on larger roles this year. But, the team's plight hinges on an improved defense corps, hopefully supplementing improved goaltending. So, the last two guys on this list may be the ones needed to step up the most.
We'll check back on this list at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see how each of these guys performed, and where the team sits in the standings.