Tag: future

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A look at possible future Columbus Blue Jackets defensive pairings

The 2023 Columbus Blue Jackets defensive unit started off on shaky ground. Switching to a man-to-man scheme it was an adjustment to say the least. About three weeks into the season some players began to catch on, and then the injuries started. Losing perhaps the teams most important player Zach Werenski was a massive blow. Jake Bean who looked much better was also lost for the season. The Blue Jackets pipeline is chalked with solid defensemen who figure to be mainstays in Columbus once the “reset” is complete. So what could future pairings look like? Let’s take a look.

First and foremost go ahead and pen (or sharpie) Werenski on the top line. A very brief pairing (due to injury) with Adam Boqvist looked like it would be a solid pairing. The two should get another look to see if they can reclaim the chemistry they briefly showed.

Again being  future pairings based on ability and projection and players that could compliment each other, I have Corson Ceulemans and Blue Jackets top prospect, David Jiricek on the second line. Jiricek who projects by well, just about everyone as a top line defensemen would give excellent depth on the second line.

The third line pairing, could be Stanislav Svozil, who had two very solid games at the end of the season in Columbus (and a prospect I am very high on for whatever that’s worth) and Dento Mateychuck, two shutdown style defensive players who have some offensive upside.

While it seems that Jiricek is almost or next to a lock to make the Columbus roster out of training camp, it will be interesting to see where the likes of Mateychuck, Svozil and Ceulemans are placed. The Cleveland Monsters seems likely. Regardless, all of the Blue Jackets top defensive prospects should get a look in Columbus at some point next season.

I do have Jake Bean still on the roster as he really did take a big step forward in his shortened season. There is a reason to be excited for fans. It will take a little while but it will be worth the wait once the prospects are in Columbus full time. Again this is only a guess post “reset.”

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Is there a future for Star Wars films

With Disney/Lucasfilm’s venture into streaming shows do Star Wars films have a future? The franchise was all but left for dead after “The Rise of Skywalker,” due to backlash from the fan base. Along came “The Mandalorian,” and that pulled Star Wars back up. Along with subsequent shows such as “The Bad Batch,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and others. But, what to make of the lack of film production and news?

D23 EXPO 2022 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by VISA – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place September 9, 10, and 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, series, games, theme parks, collectibles, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company via Getty Images)
Mandalorian

Star Wars fans have embraced streaming shows. ‘The Mandalorian,” quickly became a fan favorite. It did so not because it was better than any of the films, but because it went deeper into the Star Wars universe, something fans have been clamoring for, for some time now.

Can Disney/Lucasfilm collect their collective thoughts and revive films? Or for Star Wars has that day come and gone? Even without films the franchise has shown it can overcome and move forward with success. Perhaps, this is indeed the future for Star Wars.

While stand-along films, “Rogue One a Star Wars story” and the grossly underrated, ” “Solo a Star Wars story” were good films, the fan base did not fully embrace the stand-alone concept Star Wars was attempting.

While Disney/Lucasfilm has plans for future Star Wars streaming shows such as “Ahsoka,” “Skeleton Crew,” “The Acolyte,” “Lando,” and others there is either no plans for films or the company is being tight lipped about it.

LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 23: An interactive advertisement for the upcoming “Solo: A Star Wars Story” movie is displayed at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners on April 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

If I had to venture a guess, I suspect at some point, Star Wars will show up in theaters again. It would have to be the right well everything. From director to script to story. The question then switches to would it be a trilogy or stand-alone?

I have to imagine that would largely depend on where streaming shows stand as well as what story would be the focal point for any would be film. For now, fans should be grateful for the current format and content Disney/Lucasfilm is putting out. It has breathed life back into Star Wars and will be interesting to see where it goes.

 

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Officially eliminated from the playoffs, here is why Columbus Blue Jackets fans should be excited

In a “normal” season playing out the string is less than desirable. It can be even worse if a franchise is facing a long daunting rebuild. Last season when Columbus Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen began trading veteran players and announced a reset (call it what you will,) the future of the Blue Jackets became the focal point. Gone was a nice playoff run, enter a painful rebuild. Right? No!! Here is why fans should be both excited and optimistic for the future.

ELMONT, NEW YORK – MARCH 31: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates in his 400th NHL game against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on March 31, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Hovering around .500 this season with a new head coach (Brad Larsen) has been a pleasant surprise. The young Blue Jackets have battled together and by in large grown as a group throughout the season. Officially eliminated from the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs is not all bad. Armed with two first round draft picks this summer, fans can count on the Blue Jackets battling through the final game of the season and not throwing in the towel.

Being the youngest team in the NHL has set the Blue Jackets up for success sooner than later. Being young and less physical than many teams the Blue Jackets have had to stand up for one another this season. There is a real (and I mean real) need that needs to be addressed, a physical player or two needs to be brought in during free agency this summer.

With it’s core players now being young and very skilled, the Blue Jackets are in good shape going forward. Already this season the young Blue Jackets have shown they can play with anyone including the best teams in the league. Now it is just a matter of those same young players taking another step in development.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Vladislav Gavrikov #44 of the Columbus Blue Jackets talks to Andrew Peeke #2 of the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to a face-off during the second period of a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on December 11, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Christopher Mast/NHLI via Getty Images)

I am going to go a step further, I believe the Columbus Blue Jackets future is bright. Look I really liked those playoff teams. But, there is something in the air in Columbus. A new dawning of Blue Jackets hockey is coming. This team is young, fast and has some high-end skill on it.

This has been a fun season even with no playoffs. This summer will be very interesting.

Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on the direction of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

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What to expect from the Columbus Blue Jackets rebuilt blue line

In recent years the Columbus Blue Jackets have been known around the NHL for having a very good defense. That is because both General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and the rest of the Blue Jackets front office believed and still do that defense is the key to playing good hockey and contending for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even during a re-(call it what you will) the focus is once again on the blue line.

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 4: Milan Lucic #17 of the Calgary Flames fights for the puck against Andrew Peeke #2 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 4, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets defense is going to be very young heading into training camp and the 2021-22 NHL season. In fact the oldest member of the blue line is Vladislav Gavrikov at just 25 years old. Yet there is some talented young players who will be counted on to continue to develop at the NHL level.

The Columbus Blue Jackets penalty kill (PK) has been very good in recent years. The organization now needs to sift through and find line combo’s to try to get to that same level. It goes without saying Zach Werenski and the aforementioned Gavrikov will be out there during the PK. The team needs to then choose from Andrew Peeke, Dean Kukan, Adam Boqvist, Jake Bean and a few others.

The Blue Jackets defenders must keep it simple and not do too much. That is something they exceled in, in the past. Very often young players try to do too much. The best option for the younger players to to play according to the situation.

While it is still anyone’s guess as to line pairings it seems as of this moment that former Blue Jackets first round draft pick Gabriel Carlsson will finally get a longer look. He had fallen out of favor with the previous coaching staff.

NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 28: Matt Duchene #95 of the Nashville Predators battles for the puck against Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on February 28, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

With a young blue line it is important to understand they will look awful at times. Yet there will be times when they flash what they can be. This is what a re- whatever looks like.

What fans should focus on in my opinion is if both Andrew Peeke and Gabriel Carlsson find footing and fit into the future Columbus Blue Jackets defensive plans.