Three burning questions
The Columbus Blue Jackets (somewhat inexplicably) always assume that they are going to play a regular season, and this offseason is no exception. This team is coming off an up and down season in 2020, leading people to wonder what they will look like now. The Blue Jackets’ blend of experienced veterans and young up-and-comers could hold the question in their hands. However, many very interesting questions still remain. This article will investigate the three biggest issues facing the Columbus Blue Jackets as they ready for a new season.
1. Will the Blue Jackets Rebound from Last Year’s Frustration?
It was an awkward year for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. They battled injuries, up and down play driven by youth-ish lack of coherence before ultimately falling far short. The topic on everybody’s lips comprises if the Blue Jackets can right the ship before long, or are they in fact passing away as a player for playoff position.
A healthy core will be one of the biggest factors to that. The most literal instance of that axiom was the fact captain Boone Jenner must already be leading this team, both in his play on and off the ice. His leadership abilities should not be questioned, but he is going to need the whole team if this thing has a chance of being reversed. Johnny Gaudreau will once again be essential, as well as Patrik Laine. The Blue Jackets could benefit greatly in the standings if they can remain healthy and at their best.
Also there is the factoring of what some younger players will be able to achieve. The Blue Jackets have a fairly strong group already coming through the system with players such as Kent Johnson and Cole Sillinger to name two. Since they flashed a lot of potential at times last year, but fell victim to inconsistency. But if they can grow into dependable scorers, the Blue Jackets’ lineup could be significantly deeper and more dangerous.
2. Can the New Coaches Do Better?
There is a major difference for the Columbus Blue Jackets going into the 2024-25 season and it comes to who will be behind their bench. A new coaching staff was brought in this year, hoping to try something different and turn the ship around. But can these coaching changes really help?
The new head coach will be expected to turn things around — and fast. Confidence may be a key in the Blue Jackets’ front office, but reality is that this is the NHL, where it’s win or lose. However, if the team starts off slowly then don’t be shocked to see some heated seats in the coaching staff before long.
The new coaches could have a particularly fast effect on special teams. The Power Play and Penalty Kill of the 2018-19 Blue Jackets were uneven at best. These are areas that, if bettered slightly, could be the difference between a playoff team and just an also-ran. New coaches will be charged with implementing schemes that reflect the strengths of this group, while also erasing some of the weaknesses exploited during a difficult 2018 season.
3. Can the Goaltending Hold Up?
No team in the NHL has ever won without critical goaltending, and that is true for Columbus Blue Jackets. But the hockey gods rarely solve all of a team’s problems in one summer, and for Minnesota the elephant in the room will be whether or not their goaltending duo can provide consistent enough play to keep them on an upward trajectory.
The last time we saw the Blue Jackets play they played Elvis Merzlikins a ton in 2020-21 (plus some Daniil Tarasov.) Although neither goalie was able to put anything together. Merzlikins, in particular, battled both injuries and inconsistent play. If the Blue Jackets are going to have success, they need Merzlikins to play like one of the most exciting young goalies in the league again.
Tarasov on the other hand is a work in progress He has never been able to grab the reigns in the NHL, but he’s one nice season away from becoming a full-time starter. Columbus is going to lean heavily on him this season so he needs to show something more. The situation in the crease could also stand to be helped along somewhat, either by adding a seasoned backup or bringing back out less green goaltender.
Their goaltenders will need that help from the team defense as well. Defensive breakdowns and turnovers plagued the Blue Jackets last season, leaving their goaltenders to face far too many golden opportunities. Assuming the defense tightens up and plays a more disciplined game, it will help aid in their goaltenders getting into rhythm.
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Offensive depth is one glaring spot where concern would emanate from the Blue Jackets camp. They have high end talent amongst their top-six forwards, but the bottom six has been a bit volatile with regards to finding points. More »Can the Blue Jackets get more depth in their lineup to help out their top line stars?
To combat this, the Blue Jackets will have to either give some of their young prospects a chance or seek depth elsewhere. Hence, players such as Kirill Marchenko and Liam Foudy are likely to have increased roles this year. If they step up and provide secondary scoring it will not only lessen the load of depending on that top line, but make them a very troublesome team to defend against offensively.
Columbus also has to find a way to get more production from its defense. The team had difficulty getting reliable production from their back end last season If players such as Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist will be able to offer more offensive, it would lift the Blue Jackets’ offense to another gear.
How Will the Blue Jackets’ New Additions Fit In?
Columbus added plenty of talent this offseason, signing a lot in free agency and making other trades for key pieces. Now the question is, who among them could be a fit in terms of system and contribute right away?
Ivan Provorov, a forward from the Philadelphia Flyers who was traded to Columbus this offseason is the biggest name on that list. The Blue Jackets anticipate Provorov improving their defensive corps as a composed presence on the blue line. The bottom line is his minutes played and offense input are both going to be huge factors in the team’s success.
There is also highly-touted Russian forward Dmitri Voronkov. Voronkov is a physical forward who can also score when needed. He could be a huge return for the Blue Jackets if he adapts well to life in the NHL.
Oh, and What About the Veterans?
Like all NHL teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to rely heavily on its veteran players. Question: what impact will these veterans have on the season moving forward?
Experience and potential leadership Veterans such as Jakub Voracek, Sean Kuraly etc. They will be looked at to lead the next core of young players and bring balance as far that is relates on ice but also off it. These top two playmakers, in particular Voracek involve the play of Nurse to support a talented skilled attacker.
Erik Gudbranson (on the blue line) will be tasked with being a physical force and face of this defense. His presence will be integral in aiding the development and morale of the young defensemen.
The X Factor: Injuries
It would not be a Columbus Blue Jackets season without injuries, and this past year has been just that. Injuries are key in determining whether or not the team succeeds this year.
Injuries to key players derailed the Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes last season. The New Orleans Saints depth was put to the test and though some playmakers ( WR Deonte Harris, CB P.J. Williams) answered, it was too much for their overall impact on this divisional matchup. This year, the Blue Jackets will have to be less ready together for injuries with a deeper team or more rugged players.
Medical opportunities to prevent illness and injury, manage sickness outside infections and rehabilitate player health from the playing surface will also be necessary. Ensuring the workload on players — and particularly those with a history of injury risks — will be an overarching theme, in keeping them healthy for long NHL campaigns.
Please Standby: Satellite Scan In Progress || Do you Believe in These Blue Jackets?
Maybe the biggest question of all is whether we will see the Columbus Blue Jackets in one more playoff picture this season. After spending the 2018 season out of the postseason, that means there’s a desire to push for more success in between now and then.
Making the playoffs will be no easy task. There will be plenty of competition as the Metropolitan Division is always one of the most competitive in hockey. The Blue Jackets must continue to play solid hockey on a nightly basis and stay away from long losing streaks.
They are going to have send the horses out, ride their big guns and pray that for once in franchise history they will be able get some scoring from down on the farm. They are going to have be strong in net and they must shore up their defense. If the Jackets fully come together, they have a shot to make some noise in top 8 and get on an easier path through road of destruction.
Blue Jackets
It may not be fun, but the 2024-25 campaign is going to be a big year for the Columbus Blue Jackets. A new coaching staff, bolstered by off season acquisitions combined with a nice mix of veteran leadership and young talent…..the team is poised to surprise the NHL. But there are still many questions that need answers. Can the team stay healthy? The new coaching staff … should that come to fruition after the season starts…will they put in systems designed to play their strengths? Will the Blue Jackets make post season is an even better question. Time will only tell how good all that gold feels, but this much is certain: Columbus aint messin around hopefully. So, buckle up y’all because it is going to be a wild ride.
