Columbus Blue Jackets Preview

Departures
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Jiri Novotny, Christian Backman, Wade Dubielewicz, Michael Peca, Manny Malhotra, Jason Williams

Arrivals
Sami Pahlsson, Mathieu Garon

Forwards
With around the same amount of help for newly signed Rick Nash on forward this season as last, the offense will most likely sputter between 20th-30th in the league again. Nash finally has a legitimate center to play with, as sophomore Derick Brassard has fully recovered from his previous season-ending injury, and will look to create some chemistry with Nash. Sami Pahlsson arrives from the Blackhawks being one of the premier checking centers in the game today, with a wealth of experience that should help the young players in the lineup mature. The offense could also get a boost from Nikita Filatov, who in his short stint last year, managed to rack up his first NHL hat-trick in his sixth game. He could see first powerplay time beside Nash to start the season.

Defenseman
Could be the biggest question mark of this year’s team. They come in having the same defence corps from last, however, many of them played above expectations. Rostislav Klesla and Fedor Tyutin are still young and have the potential to play at a higher level, and are solid compliments to shut down guy Mike Commodore. Youngster Kris Russell will be sure to get a solid look by Ken Hitchcock to man the powerplay unit this year, which finished an abysmal 30th overall in the league last season.

Goalies
With the addition of Mathieu Garon in goal, sophomore Steve Mason might not have to endure the brunt of most of the starts this season. Last season, Mason looked beat and worn out, especially when he battled through mononucleosis, but finished up the season strong, leading the Jackets to sixth in the conference. The workload caught up to him though, as he looked shaky and a little rattled in the first round against an experienced Detroit team. This season, having a solid backup goalie and knowing what to expect in a full NHL schedule should help Mason improve.

Strengths
- The all-world talent of Rick Nash. This guy can take over a game if he wants to, as seen through many highlight reel goals over the course of his career.

- In goal, Mason looked last year like a great up and coming goalie in the NHL, and will look to duplicate his efforts this season. Having Garon as a backup puts a little healthy competition into the fold too, which could help push Mason to be even better.

- A true experienced, shut down center in Pahlsson will help Nash lead the way in teaching the young players on the Jackets and improve their maturation process.

Weaknesses
- The 30th ranked powerplay in the league might not see any improvements this year, unless the forwards pick up the slack and generate the offence. GM Scott Howson might have to make a trade for a powerplay type defenseman if it continues down the same path as last season.

- If Brassard goes down with an injury again, or Filatov doesn’t pan out, the Jackets will be forced to rely on Nash to carry the load again. This could prove to be costly to any hopes that the Jackets have of making the playoffs as seen in the playoffs against Detroit. Shut down Nash, win hockey games.

Analysis
Overall, the team isn’t that significantly different than last season. They lost a defenceman, and two mediocre forwards, and gained a solid shut down center and backup goalie in Pahlsson and Garon. If Mason plays off the wall like he did last season, and Brassard gives Nash the support he needs to score 40 plus goals, the Jackets should fend off a tough Western conference and make the playoffs.

Prediction: 8th in West