Now that Cannonfest has come and gone, it is time to gear up for the hockey season. I know that you need to shake some of the cob webs off; luckily, we are here to answer any question you have about the upcoming season in our (soon to be weekly) mailbag. Get ready!
https://twitter.com/MileHighJacket/status/767492089856733185
I know that this may get me some dirty looks but I would love for Rick Nash to return and play for the Blue Jackets. He left the team on bad terms, nonetheless, they could use him on their team. He is not a number one center that they desire, but he is a winger that can carry a center for periods of time. In his prime, he was unbelievable on some really bad Blue Jackets teams. Almost all of my Blue Jackets memories stem off of ridiculous plays made by him. It is time for the city to move past any hate they have for him and remember him for what he is/was, the best player in Blue Jackets history.
https://twitter.com/Superdan042/status/767722015671345153
They are going to be a really fun squad. I doubt they are Calder Cup champions again, as the turnover on the roster may be a bit much. Jordan Maletta and Justin Scott are a couple of players I am interested in seeing. They were a couple of overage OHL players that did well in the postseason. Their collective ceilings aren’t very high, however. They only project to be fourth line players but they could surprise people with strong camps.
The continued development of young defensive prospects should be fascinating as well. GM Kekalainen has taken an interesting approach in his drafting by taking a fair amount of defensive defensemen early in the draft. Dillon Heatherington could be a litmus test for further player development. Will he take the next step or be a career AHLer? Dean Kukan is another name that fans could be hearing in the NHL some this season; if not, he could lead the Monsters on defense. He still has some room to develop and is old enough to lead the AHL squad if necessary.
I am also very excited about Dante Salituro. He was tearing up the OHL and he could still go back if he desires but I think his game is ready for the AHL. He is small in stature and plays like his butt is on fire. He should score some points next year as the team looks for players to fill in for future Blue Jackets.
I anticipate at least three players moving up to the big club next year. My guess is that it will be Oliver Bjorkstrand, Josh Anderson and Zach Werenski on the Blue Jackets roster out of training camp. Logistically, the positions seem to work out in these three players favor. They can all contribute right away and they bring immediate upgrades to a lineup that desperately needs them.
https://twitter.com/CBJDuck/status/767543667355623429
You know, I have never had a cigar during a game. If I did have one during a game I would pick a Romeo y Julieta Churchill. The are an absolutely great cigar. Fantastic smoke, wonderful draw and burns at a great rate. That would definitely be my choice during a game.
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