When you look at how well the Columbus Blue Jackets ended their season, it seems unfortunate they didn’t make the playoffs. If any team deserves a pass for not making the dance because of a surplus of injuries, it’s Columbus. A good number of players on the roster were hurt to some degree and many of them missed extended periods of time. However, despite the disappointment of not going to the post-season this year, this team has an exciting future ahead of them.
Not too long ago, Columbus was the laughingstock in the NHL. They were the perennial loser; the expansion franchise where there was uncertainty that hockey would ever work. But a complete culture change has done wonders for this franchise. Hiring current President of Hockey Operations/Alternate Governor John Davidson and General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has helped spark the turnaround in Columbus, as both men in their previous roles with the St. Louis Blues had a hand in turning that franchise into the team that it is today.
Columbus has carved out an identity as a hard-working, in-your-face hockey team and credit to head coach Todd Richards for helping this team become that. One thing that will change in the near future is the team’s lack of a captain. The team hasn’t had one since Rick Nash was traded, but the team has a few candidates. Brandon Dubinsky is a vocal member of the team and is a guy who gives a full effort every night. Nick Foligno has also emerged as a calming presence in the midst of an individual breakout season. Jack Johnson is also a prominent figure for leadership and was a player that helped spark the culture change upon his arrival.
And you can’t talk about Columbus without mentioning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky hasn’t been as good as his Vezina winning year in 2013, but he gives the team in front of him confidence and continues to play a big role in their success. For years, Columbus did not have good goaltending prior to Bobrovsky, minus Steve Mason‘s Calder winning year, but no doubt having a consistent number one goalie has done wonders for the Blue Jackets.
After many years of poor drafting and development and high picks that didn’t pan out, Columbus suddenly has a stockpile of promising young players. 2010 fourth overall pick Ryan Johansen has already emerged as a number one centre, something the team has craved since their inception in 2000. Johansen put up 71 points in 82 games and his size and skill make him a valuable part of the hockey club.
It is unfortunate that promising defenceman Ryan Murray only played 12 games this season. He has had his fair share of injuries during his career already, so there is concern that it could be a pattern. When Murray is healthy, he has shown to be an intelligent, two-way defenceman.
2013 first rounder Alexander Wennberg also impressed in his first season in North America as injuries gave him an early NHL opportunity. His versatility and intelligence are his main strengths. Fellow 2013 first rounder Marko Dano also made quite the debut as he put up a surprising 21 points in 35 games. He is further along in his development than most anticipated and the offense came unexpectedly.
Fellow prospect Oliver Bjorkstrand won the WHL’s scoring crown while defenceman Dillon Heatherington was solid for the gold medal winning Canadian World Junior Championship team. Sonny Milano and Kerby Rychel also continued to progress in their respective leagues.
If the Columbus Blue Jackets can stay healthy next year, they will be a force to be reckoned with. They don’t possess the star power other teams have but with their character, hard work and scoring as a unit, the Blue Jackets have given more than a few teams trouble. Having a winning team has also brought out the fans in Columbus, as they have dubbed themselves the “Fifth Line.” The city has embraced their team with new vigour at their newfound success, showing that Columbus can support hockey. The Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged from a team in constant rebuilding to one that has the ability to be a contending one for years to come.
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