The big thing that the newcomers are going to add to this lineup is size—they’re just going to have to ensure that they use it correctly. However, with some development, and some strong young players on the way up (Clay Wilson, Marc Methot, Kris Russell, Will Weber, Tedy Ruth), the Blue Jackets D looks to be on the rise in Ohio.
No Onion on My Umberger please….
Remember a few paragraphs ago when we discussed how the Jackets have another option as Rick Nash's new center? Well Columbus, meet R.J. Umberger: the man teaming with Nash for at least the next four years (we hope).
The former Flyer is expected to step into the offensive attack in Columbus and team with former Rocket Richard winner Rick Nash to form a deadly top-line combo.
Umberger proved that he could produce last season with 50 points (13 goals and 37 assists) on an offensively gifted and very deep Philadelphia team.
The problem though, is that if Umberger doesn’t step up, or runs into a problem with his production (or gets hurt), then the Blue Jackets may have a bit of an issue. Behind him on the depth chart are Michael Peca (a great two-way presence, but he won’t help your offense), Jiri Novotony, Manny Malhotra, and Derrick Brassard.
Of that list, Brassard is the only player that has the tools or the skills to step into a first line role, but then you have to wonder if he’s too inexperienced for such a responsibility, which then puts more pressure on Umberger to succeed.
Down the wings, chemistry amongst the lines will be even more important. Fredrick Modin will have to prove that he’s past the back problems that dogged him last season—allowing him to post a measley 12 points in 26 games—while proving he still has the ability to score 22-25 goals in a season.
Kristian Huselius however will have a different problem, in proving that his success wasn’t a direct result of Mike Keenan and Jarome Iginla. More and more however, it’s appeared that Huselius is merely a late bloomer who came into his own the last two seasons in Calgary, providing Columbus with a solid 60-70 point option down the wing.
With the absence of Gilbert Brule, Dan Fritsche, and Nikoalai Zherdez, former Oilers Raffi Torres, Jason Chimera, and Mike York may all see expanded roles, with the expectation of expanded production, and stronger defensive play. However, if they falter or get injured, Jakub Voracek could flourish in an expanded role while Nikita Filatov could throw the entire plan out of whack if he proves to be NHL ready.
So what does it all mean?
After examining how the improvements up front may help out the defense and the goaltending (Is too many goals ever a bad thing unless you're Tampa Bay?), but just how miserable was Columbus' offense last year exactly?
Well the Jackets were 29th in goals-per-game and 26th on the powerplay (14.9%). Remember Pascal Leclaire's nine losses throughout the season's waning months? Well Leclaire only surrendered more than four goals twice, while he stymied the opposition to two goals or fewer four times (one being an O.T. loss).
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