The Blue Jackets have a lot of players with NHL chops up front - but how will they all fit together?
I think the easiest approach to the forward group is to start at the bottom and work our way up. After all, this team's fourth line is two thirds of the way complete based off of contract situations and typical usage.
Sean Kuraly reprises his role as this team's fourth line center. I don't think I'm stretching the truth when I call him one of the best in the entire NHL at that job. He wins faceoffs, competes hard on both sides of the puck; and plays a simple up and down game. Joining him on the right wing is Mathieu Olivier, who stood out last year as a glue guy. His toughness and leadership are going to be much needed for this young team this year, given their tragic circumstances.
My prediction for the third member of the fourth line: newly signed left wing James van Riemsdyk. I do think JVR has some gas left in the tank, but it's hard to see him rolling out in the top-9 consistently. At 35 years old, he's never been a great skater, and his two-way game has never been terrific. But, in depth minutes, he will be fine - especially on a line with these two reliable veterans. He can play up and down the lineup as needed.
Predicting the top-9 is a little bit tricky. For the first time in a long time, the Jackets actually have some good quality centers competing for jobs. No fewer than 5 of them, by my estimation. Which means that some of them will have to play on the wing.
For the third line, that someone is going to be Dmitri Voronkov. I think Cole Sillinger is the perfect type of two-way center to play under Dean Evason, and I think he's also due for a big year. Voronkov's size and two-way capabilities could be an excellent fit down the wing here, and these two could be a matchup nightmare for the opposition if their offense pops.
The only thing missing? Speed. Enter Justin Danforth. Assuming he's healthy to start the year, Danforth is the perfect fit alongside these two. He brings plenty of speed, some more physicality, and a touch of skill. In theory, this could be the best third line the Blue Jackets have had in several years.
This leaves us with some very skilled (but young) forwards in the top-six. I have one really bold prediction for the top line.