The Blue Jackets may have the best depth at the forward position that they have had since their last playoff run in 2019. The team has 16 players who deserve to be in the NHL. The team can only carry 23 players on the roster.
While 20 players dress for a game, there can be 3 reserves. Usually, a team carries an extra forward (total of 13) and an extra defenseman (total of 7). Combined with 2 goalies, that results in 22 total players on the roster. That begs the question: if the team carries 13 forwards, which 3 don’t make the cut?
One of the forwards is Isac Lundestrom, who was the anchor on the 4th line last season. Unfortunately, he will miss some time to begin the season. He won’t return until November at the earliest. With his absence, the team has 15 forwards vying for 13 spots.
To determine who makes the 4th line, let’s talk about the top of the lineup first. Barring any injuries, the top 9 forwards will likely be a combination of Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, Valeri Nichuskin, Kent Johnson, Sean Monahan, Conor Garland, Cole Sillinger, Charlie Coyle, and Mathieu Olivier.
While that top 9 is not set-in-stone, that is the early projection. That leaves roughly 6 guys to fill out the 4th line. Those guys include Luca Del Bel Belluz, Mikael Pyyhtia, Ryan Lomberg, Dmitri Voronkov, Miles Wood, and Danton Heinen.
I believe that LDBB will make the team. He one of the better prospects in the CBJ system and he has accomplished a lot in the AHL. He also requires waiver clearance this season and the team doesn't want to lose him. However, I don’t see him as a fit on the 4th line due to his skillset.
I think he would be better suited somewhere in the top 9. He could center the second line, which would bump Monahan down to the 4th line. Or, he could play wing, which may result in Sillinger centering the 4th line. Either way, I think LDBB will be on the team and will play higher in the lineup.
Of the remaining players, I believe that Lomberg, Voronkov, and Wood will make the team due to their contracts and their play. That means that Pyyhtia and Heinen will likely be sent to Cleveland. Both require waiver clearance to be sent to Cleveland and the CBJ risk losing them for nothing. But that’s the price you pay for good depth.
My best guess is that LDBB plays on one of the top 2 lines, sliding Nichuskin down to the 3rd line with Coyle and Olivier. That allows Sillinger to center the 4th line. I think that Lomberg and Voronkov flank each side of Sillinger. That leaves Wood as the reserve 13th forward.
Voronkov and LDBB could easily swap roles higher up in the lineup. However, Voronkov has yet to show the consistency required to play in the top 6. Last season, Coach Bowness seemed frustrated by Voronkov’s play and planted him on the 4th line or as a reserve most nights.
Until Lundestrom returns from injury, here is how I see the forward lineup shaking out:
Marchenko | Fantilli | LDBB |
|---|---|---|
Johnson | Monahan | Garland |
Nichuskin | Coyle | Olivier |
Lomberg | Sillinger | Voronkov |
Wood |
It will be interesting to see how the lines look at the start of training camp.
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