BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: The Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have the pieces in place to put together a dynamic offense, capable of getting a big enough lead for Pascal Leclaire and the defense to hold—but as they proved last year it’s just building that lead.

This year they’ll be able to do that. Maybe not early on in the season when they're geling, but I can see Columbus with a realistic shot at the playoffs this season.

2nd in the Central Division (Tie)

And now! Re-introducing the View from the Community Leader Pressbox and Columbus Blue Jacket's CL John Arvai:

The only player I think you overlooked a bit was Kris Russell.  Russell brings a skill set that is severely lacking on the Jackets blueline and that's the ability to skate like the wind and move the puck. They thought he had decent year as a rookie but really think he'll take a big step this season.  

From talking with Hitch he's sees Russell more as a back-door type player who can jump into holes quickly and create instant offense from the backend. At this point his shot is too soft to be a threat from the point and from a 1st unit PP perspective they will be relying on Christian Backman to fulfill that role however Russell should see plenty of PP time as his opposite on the other point. Russell has packed on some 15 pounds and is close to that 178 mark—according to Puck-rackers he ended last season weighing a mere 161 pounds so that extra weight should really benefit him over the 82 game grind.

The coaches have also been blown away with Huselius early. They are saying Nash has never played with a highly skilled guy like this and it should really open things up for him. Zherdev was skilled but he created space for himself. Huselius creates space for his linemates.

You were bang on with your thoughts on the rookies. Brassard will be given every opportunity to hold down a top 6 center spot. Modin has called him "magical with the puck".  He's got a year of pro under his belt and produced over a point per game during the season and a point per game in the playoffs.

The Jackets have certainly added strong and competitive players and they will only get better defensively and will be tough as nails to play against but as you mention the question is offensively. They have replaced the production they lost but will need more.That is where Brassard/Voracek/Filatov come into play. If they can get key contributions from 2 of the 3 they make the playoffs in my opinion. Both Brass and Voracek will make the team.

Thanks a lot John! Here's looking to tomorrow where we continue with the Central Division!

Bryan Thiel is a Senior Writer for Bleacher Report and an NHL Community Leader. If you want to get in contact with Bryan, you can do so through his profile, and you can also check out more of his previous work in his archives.

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