The Blue Jackets season is about to start, so you know what that means: optimism reigns supreme. Coming into every season you get sold on something and believe in the team again. There is nothing wrong with being positive, but isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result?
Luckily, I am here to give you my three realistic thoughts and expectations going into this upcoming season. If the takes are too spicy, stay out of the kitchen.
Zach Werenski Will Still Have Some Growing Pains
This is a pretty weak take, if I do say so. Werenski is only 19 years of age, and is going to have trouble adjusting to the speed and strength of the game. This isn’t to put him down, it’s reality for every teenager playing in the NHL. By the same token, as he grows Werenski will surely have moments where he leaves fans scratching their heads. Werenski is one of the most steady defensemen I have ever seen, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make a mistake.
A common theme during the franchise’s existence: a prospect gets thrown to the wolves too early, and almost immediately fans are disappointed. I don’t expect Werenski to flounder right off the bat, but if he ends up being scratched for a game or two? Don’t worry too much. That decision won’t be the end of the world.
Sam Gagner Will Be This Season’s X-Factor
Choosing a goaltender as the season’s x-factor seems a bit too on the nose for me. Obviously, where Bobrovsky goes, so goes the Jackets. Young players on the Jackets are also important, taking steps forward (developmental curves suggesting as much). However, one player who has been around the block before and can bounce back mightily: Sam Gagner. He averaged well over a half a point per game before his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, and he has a chance to return to his previous standing.
In the most recent line rushes, Gagner was playing with Brandon Saad and Nick Foligno. Those wingers are solid possession players, and can put the puck in the back of the net. Don’t be surprised the newest center puts up 40-50 points this year with an expanded role between Saad and the Captain. High scoring performance could make Gagner a valuable trade chip at the deadline, and, hell, if the Jackets compete well into the spring? Don’t be surprised if Sam Gagner sticks around.
Slow Start Could Mean an Overhaul
We didn’t get enough questions the other day to do a mailbag but an interesting question was posed to us about a slow start.
if the team stumbles out of the gate again what's the most likely course of action from mgmt in your opinion
— Brett Sidoryk (@iamTwigggy) October 10, 2016
This was the question that had to be on everyone’s mind when the front office was signed to an extension this summer. They already fired one coach, they already moved some key players around, where do you go next? A similar 0-8 start would mean a look at management jobs. The probability of a similar start is extremely low, so I wouldn’t be too terribly worried. A middling start through the first few months could mean a trade, I just don’t see an earth-shattering move coming down the pike.
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