Tag: Columbus Blue Jackets

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What kind of prospect do the Columbus Blue Jackets have in Samuel Knazko

This past Wednesday the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they had signed 2020 third round draft pick Samuel Knazko to a three year entry level contract (ELC.) The 18 year old defenseman is from Slovakia and promises to bolster the Blue Jackets blueline soon. What kind of player is Samuel Knazko? A closer look shows he can be an impact player.

EDMONTON, AB – JANUARY 02: Brett Berard #21 of the United States skates against Samuel Knazko #20 of Slovakia during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship quarterfinals at Rogers Place on January 2, 2021 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)

There is a lot to like in  Samuel Knazko game. Knazko’s skating is very good, he has great hands and a very good shot that makes him a natural for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The young defenseman has excellent eyes and his passes are on point. Knazko is not afraid to make back-handed passes which sets him apart from most defensive players.

Samuel Knazko was the captain of the Slovakian team at this years World Juniors Turney. While a short and I do mean short start to his U.S. hockey career is likely to start in Cleveland with the Monsters. Columbus Blue Jackets fans can expect to see Knazko in Columbus very soon.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 23: Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen meets with the media following the NHL General managers Meetings at the Bellagio Las Vegas on June 23, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets under general manager Jarmo Kekalainen’s time with the organization has drafted defensive players that can move the puck up ice with some offensive ability as well as be able to quarterback the power play. Samuel Knazko fits that bill.

With the Blue Jackets rumored to be trading Seth Jones, Knazko becomes an important figure the future of the defensive unit. He has the ability to be a top 6 player for Columbus.

In review, young Samuel Knazko is a defensive player with a lot of up-side. He should fit seamlessly in the Blue Jackets blueline once the team feels he is ready for NHL competition. Again, that should be sooner than later. Columbus Blue Jackets fans will like the young Knazko’s all around game.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets hire Brad Larsen as head coach

Thursday long time Columbus Blue Jacket assistant coach Brad Larsen was named head coach. Blue Jackets fans greeted the news with a mixture of mostly negativity with a bit of optimism. So what does this mean for the organization moving forward? That is a big question right now.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 18: Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his official headshot for the 2014-2015 season on September 18, 2014 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

One factor that could have been in play for the Columbus Blue Jackets hiring, is that Brad Larsen knows the organization. He also knows the current roster. So that has some consistency and does not rock the boat to much as far as bringing in a coach from outside the organization.

Brad Larsen has been in Columbus for 11 years. During his time as an assistant coach the Blue Jackets record is 269-208 with 59 ties. So Larsen has been part of the winning in Columbus.

After the season concluded, and is was announced that former Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella would not be returning, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen met with players and asked what they would like in the next head coach. The players were united and said they wanted a “players coach.”

Larsen fits that bill. The term “players coach” does not mean pushover, not at all. It means a coach who is willing to listen to players and give them a chance to prove what they ask for, while being able to scrap that and change to what the head coach wants to do as the situation dictates.

While it is true the Blue Jackets power play struggled mightily under what many fans believe to be Larsen’s watch a deeper look tells a slightly different story. John Tortorella coached teams have a history of weak power plays.

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Assistant coach Brad Larsen of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the action from the bench against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on November 26, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jackets defeated the Wings 7-5. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

While Brad Larsen may not have been the sexy name as far as head coaching candidates. Jarmo Kekalainen is banking on it being the right one for his hockey team. Time will tell. But for now Blue Jackets fans should back away from the ledge and see how this plays out.

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What could a Columbus Blue Jackets rebuild look like?

As the days have pressed on since Columbus Blue Jackets defensemen Seth Jones announced he would not re-sign with the team, many fans and media outlets have wondered and pondered if the Blue Jackets were about to embark on a full-blown rebuild. If they do, what would that look like? I offer some thoughts, mind you this is before any trades are made, if any at all.

By many accounts the Columbus Blue Jackets were going to entice Seth Jones to sign a long-term contract by offer him a max deal. 8 years at $9-$9.5 million per-season as well as offer him the teams captaincy. In my opinion the Blue Jackets should now offer that same deal to defensemen Zach Werenski.

Werenski was the captain of the Michigan Wolverines hockey team and by all indications the 24 year old has the respect in the Blue Jackets locker room needed to be named captain. If the Blue Jackets do make the offer and lock up Werenski they would be doing so before he enters his prime years. This would be key.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates during the second period of a game against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

At just 23 years old and despite coming off his worst pro season the Columbus Blue Jackets should also offer a massive deal to Patrik Laine. A player of Laine’s prowess does not come along everyday. Not to mention Laine like Werenski is not in the prime of his career yet.

Next players that are on the current roster suggest this could be a shorter rebuild. Max Domi, Gustav Nyquist, Eric Robinson, Jack Roslovic, Vladislav Gavrikov and a couple others give hope that shorter rebuild is on the horizon.

Armed with 3 first round draft picks (the first pick is #5 overall) gives the Blue Jackets something to work with. They could use all three first round picks or trade one or two to upgrade the roster to ice a competitive team next season.

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 04: Vladislav Gavrikov #44 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 4, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen is said to be bent on fixing the teams center position which is in desperate need of an upgrade. There is little doubt that the GM will indeed fix the position.

While the Blue Jackets have a lot of salary cap space, they need to be wise how they use it. One thing I believe the organization should do is build around defensemen Zach Werenski and the offensive skills of Patrik Laine. This would be the smart thing to do.

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi has shoulder surgery, what it means for the roster

Columbus Blue Jackets center Max Domi underwent successful shoulder surgery Thursday to repair a labral tear. According to Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, Domi had been having trouble with the shoulder for some time. That may have contributed to an underwhelming season for the usually reliable Domi. With the Columbus Blue Jackets already in need of center help, does the Domi news force the Blue Jackets to trade for a center?

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

In recent days the Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked to Buffalo Sabers center Sam Reinhart. The Sabers are in desperate need of a goalie. The Columbus Blue Jackets have two goalies as well as very good depth in the organization. So trading either Elvis Merzlikins or Joonas Korpisalo for Reinhart would work for both teams.

Max Domi is expected to miss 5-6 months which means he will miss the start of the regular season as he is looking for a November return. Domi struggled this season with 9 goals, 15 assists, 24 points, 75 penalty minutes in 54 games in 2020-21.

As stated it is unknown at this time what role the shoulder injury played in Max Domi’s season. Domi did begin to play better as the season moved along but never reached the level of past seasons. At just 26 years old Domi is far from a declining player.

RALEIGH, NC – MAY 1: Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during an NHL game on May 1, 2021 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in dire straits at center. The team needs a top line center in the worst way. Now with Domi being shelved for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season the Blue Jackets need a second line center as well. A position that a player like Sam Reinhart could fill.

In what has already shaped up to be a busy offseason for the Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson, The Max Domi injury may have added to the busyness.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will pick #5 in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft

For a team that finished a playoff streak of four years, yet had a disappointing season, the Columbus Blue Jackets still have pieces in place to retool or rebuild the roster. Yesterday the NHL held their annual Draft Lottery. When the ping-pong ball came up with the Blue Jackets logo on it, the team won a top five pick.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 22: Jarmo Kekäläinen of the Columbus Blue Jackets works the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen spoke to the media shortly after the Blue Jackets found out their draft fate.  Kekalainen said a few things of interest. First he said there is very good talent in the first seven picks. NHL experts agree. Kekalainen also hinted the team could very well trade one of their three first round picks in order to strengthen the roster.

While it seems likely the Columbus Blue Jackets will trade defensemen Seth Jones this summer, the return will be huge. The Blue Jackets need scoring. In the worst way. Before I dive into a couple of players I think Columbus would be wise in taking at #5, let me get this out of the way. The Blue Jackets should re-sign Patrik Laine to a max-deal. He is simply too good to trade away. The Blue Jackets should build they’re offense around him.

Teams at the top of the draft are desperate for defense. So the top defensive players will be off the board before pick #5. The Blue Jackets have a solid defensive crop so they do not need to address that early on. So who could come in and have a chance to impact the Blue Jackets offense as early as this season? Let’s take a look.

William Eklund, Center, Eklund is one of if not the top Swedish prospects. A very good dual threat center with natural offensive instincts, Eklund was one of the top scoring 18 year old forwards in SHL history and earned the league’s Rookie of the Year award.

Eklund is NHL ready and the Blue Jackets need help at the center position. In time Eklund should grow into a top line center. But, coming to a new league it is likely he will bounce from the second and third lines if he is the Blue Jackets selection.

KELOWNA, BC – NOVEMBER 26: Dylan Guenther #11 of the Edmonton Oil Kings celebrates a shoot out goal against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place on November 26, 2019 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

Next is a player who I believe the Columbus Blue Jackets should draft. Dylan Guenther, Right Wing (RW), Where to start with this phenomenally elite prospect?

First off no matter where he is on the ice Dylan Guenther is a threat to score. A forward with soft hands and sharp hand eye coordination, Guenther is a sniper when shooting the puck and deadly with his passes. In the defensive end this two-way player is also elite. Guenther projects as an NHL star.

So with the 2021 NHL Draft coming next month, the Blue Jackets are doing their homework. But the two players I identified William Eklund and Dylan Guenther are both NHL ready prospects who can help immediately.

 

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Opnion: If the Columbus Blue Jackets want to change the narrative then a big name coach needs to be brought in

In a scene all too familiar another big name Columbus Blue Jackets player wants out of Columbus. We have heard Blue Jacket players say they love the city of Columbus. They very well might. But the bigger name players say it and then leave. Be it by trade or they leave as a free agent. It is difficult at times to be a fan of a team that begins to look good only to lose a star player. It is time for the organization to buck that trend.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 20: Head coach Gerard Gallant of the Vegas Golden Knights speaks during the 2018 NHL Awards presented by Hulu at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on June 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

In order for big name players to both stay in Columbus and want to play for the Blue Jackets a big name coach needs to be brought in. With all do respect to Brad Larson (long time Blue Jackets assistant coach) he is not a name that exactly entices players to stay or come.

John Tortorella was a fine coach. He was also a coach that chased a lot of big names out of Columbus due to his over-the-top brash coaching style. Yes, Tortorella won a lot of games, but the Blue Jackets could have won more if he had backed down a bit.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen have options as far as big name coach’s and assistants who are ready to be head coach’s.

Marco Strom, 3 year assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings, Igor Larionov, Russian National Team and 2 time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, While Rick Tocchet, Bruce Boudreau, Todd Nelson and  Gerard Gallant have all been successful NHL head coach’s.

In order for the Blue Jackets to take the next step and be a serious playoff contending team, then a big name head coach is needed. Players like having someone who has been there and done that. A coach who can relate to them as well as allow them the comfort of knowing the organization is in good hands.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up prior to a game against the Dallas Stars on February 2, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

A big name head coach should be the top priority this summer in Columbus. This will help players who are restricted free agents decide if they want to sign a long-term deal with the team. Players like Patrik Laine, Alexander Texier, and others.

Having a proven head coach would ease a lot of the issues that have come about in recent years.

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Seth Jones will not re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets

In what feels like a broken record, yet another big name player wants out of Columbus Ohio. Defensemen, Seth Jones. This feels like a huge blow and from a PR standpoint it is. Recently Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and now Seth Jones have or will have all left the Columbus Blue Jackets organization by this summer. Unlike Panarin, Jones is giving plenty of notice. Jones will likely be traded soon.

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck in the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 18, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)

This is not in any way sour grapes. Seth Jones is a very steady and for the most part solid defensive player. Well he was, the past two seasons Jones has not been very good. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the graph.

As stated Seth Jones is a steady and for the most part solid player. Seth Jones is not elite and has not played like a top defensemen the past two seasons. For whatever reason.

Could he rebound? Sure he could. But Jones at his very best still falls short of other defensive players like Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay), Charlie McAvoy (Boston), Alex Pietrangelo ( St. Louis) and others. Yet the Columbus Blue Jackets by all accounts were prepared to offer Jones a max deal 8 years at $8.5 per-season and word is they were also ready to offer the captaincy to him as well.

President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson said he wants players who want to be in Columbus. Players like Cam Atkinson, Jack Rovsovic and others. With Jones leaving it is my opinion the Blue Jackets should enter a total rebuild.

If they choose and if he is willing to play through a rebuild, then the Blue Jackets could offer defensive player Zack Werenski  a max deal and build around his talents.

The Blue Jackets could tear it all down and trade all assets for prospects and draft picks which would mean trading Werenski, Atkinson, Jones (which they will) and Patrik Laine.

COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 16: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 16, 2019 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Tampa Bay 7-3 to win the series 4-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

One thing that would help the Blue Jackets not only hold onto players but attract free agents is to offer more max deals. Players like to have security. The Columbus Blue Jackets would be wise in transforming into an organization that offers that.

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In a no good, very bad season Jack Roslovic shined for the Columbus Blue Jackets

The trade, the Columbus Blue Jackets sent forward Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Winnipeg Jets for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic. Laine was the marquee name. Yet it was Columbus Ohio native Jack Roslovic that had a big impact on the Blue Jackets. If Laine did not come in the trade Roslovic would have been the feel good story of the NHL.

COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 28: Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Florida Panthers on January 28, 2021 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Even playing in Winnipeg, Jack Roslovic made no bones about the fact he would love the opportunity to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets one day. On April 3, 2017, Roslovic made his NHL debut. The Jets took on the Blue Jackets at Nation Wide Arena. Roslovic’s family was in attendance.

So needless to say when the Blue Jackets and Jets struck the blockbuster trade Roslovic was ecstatic as he was heading home to Columbus. Here was a player who wanted (very badly) to play for the Blue Jackets, no “buy in” was needed.

As it turned out Jack Roslovic stood out in an otherwise bad season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Roslovic’s near point-per game was right around .75 only Cam Atkinson and Oliver Bjorkstrand were able to sustain that this season for the Blue Jackets.

Not very good in the face-off circle Roslovic was not asked to take many. Also, Roslovic has many deficiencies defensively. Yet, many hockey experts and the Columbus Blue Jackets believe Jack Roslovic is just starting to scratch the surface of what he can do offensively.

Proving his worth, the Blue Jackets could use (depending on what the team does during free agency) Roslovic as the second line center. His numbers back it up. Last season Max Domi was the Blue Jackets second line center and struggled mightily.

Domi struggled so much so, that it would be hard for the Blue Jackets to justify keeping Roslovic on the third line when he should be given second line minutes.

SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 20: Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on April 20, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jack Roslovic played with consistency during the 2020-21 season and should continue to grow into an even more valuable player for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

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Reload or Rebuild, the Columbus Blue Jackets have big decisions looming

After the trade deadline came and went two prominent members of the Columbus Blue Jackets were traded away leading many to believe the team was on the cusp of a full-blown rebuild. Nick Foligno, Blue Jackets long time captain and long time defensemen David Savard were traded to Toronto and Tampa Bay for first round draft picks. Yet, Blue Jackets General Manger, Jarmo Kekalainen insists the organization is going to reload.

BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 24: President of hockey operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets attends round one of the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on June 24, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

With the return of Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson yesterday and the verbiage he used during his press conference it sounded more like a rebuild is on the horizon.

The 2020-21 NHL season was a disappointment for the Blue Jackets who saw the teams streak of four playoff runs end. Now are armed with 3 first round draft picks. One of those picks could be in the top 5 .

For the Blue Jackets to avoid a rebuild a few things will need to be addressed. The team needs a top line center. They also need to find out if defensemen Andrew Peeke is the long-term solution to replace David Savard.

Seth Jones needs a new contract and has told the team he is taking some time before deciding if he wants to commit to the Blue Jackets. Having John Davidson back in the fold could help sway Jones to stay, if the right head coach is brought in and they offer him the captaincy.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – AUGUST 19: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores the game winning goal past Joonas Korpisalo #70 the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:12 during the first overtime period to win Game Five in the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 19, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Getting back to the draft picks. 3 first round picks are nice. However, as noted the team is in desperate need of a top line center. They could offer the lower of the first round picks and goalie Joonas Koprisalo and get themselves a top center.

If that happens then it is indeed a reload. Yesterday Davidson said something interesting he stated that it was a great asset to have 3 first round picks. That it gives the Blue Jackets “something to work with.”

After the conclusion of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, more dominoes should fall. Namely a head coach and the Jones contract situation. Then the reload-rebuild picture should clear up.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets bring back John Davidson as President of team operations

It is happening. John Davidson is returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, completing the homecoming Blue Jackets fans wanted to see. The news was broken by Brian Hedger and Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch. Davidson who left the Blue Jackets after the 2019 season to take the same position with the New York Rangers was surprisingly fired after just two seasons in New York.

John Davidson (JD, as known in NHL circles) helped to build the Columbus Blue Jackets into a playoff team. His “brick by brick” mantra was well received by the Blue Jackets fan base and the team embraced it as well.

COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 11: President of Hockey Operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for his headshot on September 11, 2014 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Davidson is a giant in the NHL and is highly regarded throughout the league which is why his firing sent shock waves through the NHL. Building a bottom feeder in Columbus into a playoff team endeared him to the city of Columbus Ohio.

The fact is a man with the stature of Davidson has help the Blue Jackets attract free agents as well as gets players to sign extensions. That will surly happen again. This time the Blue Jackets have more salary cap space. They also have players that need contracts such as Seth Jones.

In more good news the Blue Jackets have extended John Davidson’s right hand man and the person he hand picked as General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen. The two worked so well in the past the Blue Jackets are banking on the two continuing their solid work.

NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 30: President of Hockey Operations John Davidson of the Columbus Blue Jackets sits with general Manager Jarmo Kekalainen during the 2013 NHL Draft at Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Blue Jackets team President Mike Priest said of both Davidson and Kekalainen, “John Davidson and Jarmo Kekalainen worked tirelessly and effectively together to transform our hockey club from a team with one Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance in 12 seasons to one that reached the postseason five times in seven years from 2013-20.”

In Columbus Ohio for the rabid Blue Jackets fan base it has been a very good fulfilling 24 hours. The offseason has started with a bang.