NHL Season Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets



Last Season's standings: record- 35-43-4 for 74 points. The Blue Jackets were 3rd in the Central division and 13th in the Western Conference at the end of last season.

In: Fredrick Modin F (via trade w/ Tampa Bay Lightning); Fredrick Norrena G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Anson Carter F (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Dan Fritsche F; Duvie Westcott D; Tomas Kloucek D (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); Ty Conklin G (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Ron Hainsey D; Pascal Leclaire G; Jamie Pushor D; Jason Chimera F; Filip Novak D (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Eric Boguniecki F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins)

Out: Andy Delmore D (new team: Tampa Bay Lightning); Trevor Letowski F (new team; Carolnia Hurricanes); Marc Denis G (via trade w/ Tampa Bay Lightning); Mike Rupp F (new team: New Jersey Devils); Andrew Penner G.

Season Outlook: Fair.. The Blue Jackets head into the season full of promise. Gilbert Brule is looking to avoid serious injury after having the summer to bulk up. They acquired Anson Carter coming off one of his better seasons last year. I have my doubts about whether Carter will be able to repeat the numbers he had with the Sedins last year. Acquiring Conklin was not a great move as he was very inconsistent and eventually lost his starting job and back-up job when the Oilers acquired Roloson. As I write this preview, star forward Federov has already gone down w/ a serious shoulder injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. This team lacks depth and will be hard-pressed to score and stop pucks from going into their net.

Season Prediction: The Columbus Bluejackets will take the 15th spot in the Western Conference, 5th in the Central Division