Here comes Clitsome!

Reading into Hitch's comments from the coaches show yesterday it sounds like, to me anyways, that Grant Clitsome has rocketed up the depth chart possibly right into that #7 or #8 slot.

What that little segment also told me is that bubble guys like Aaron Rome, Marc Mehot and Clay Wilson -- guys that the organization were hoping to step up their game a notch -- haven't done so. What happens with these guys remains to be seen.

It should also be noted that Methot, Clitsome, Wilson and Tollefsen will all be in the lineup tomorrow night. It may be the final time for some of these guys to make their final impressions.

Another nugget shared is that Kris Russell has made this team and will play a key role and rightfully so.

It appears the wait if over, Nikita Filatov to make his North American hockey debut tonight in Nationwide Arena. I wasn't planning on going to this game but this news just changed my mind -- I have to get a look at this kid in first game in a CBJ uniform.

Puck-rakers reported that Maksim Mayorov has been sent to Syracuse. There had been some debate as to whether Mayorov would be sent to the AHL or Major Juniors but it seems that question has been answered.

While failing to notch a point Mayorov has certainly shown through camp that he has the tools to become an effective NHL player. He just needs the time to get his toolbox in order.

USAToday.com previews the central. Here are their thoughts on the Jackets:

Story line: Columbus' Scott Howson could be the NHL's most soft-spoken general manager, but he made himself heard loud and clear this summer with two significant trades and two major free agent signings. He overhauled the defense by signing Mike Commodore and acquiring Christian Backman and Fedor Tyutin. Howson then tried to find a center for Rick Nash by acquiring R.J. Umberger, and he also signed 25-goal scorer Kristian Huselius.

Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Three reasons to like the Blue Jackets: 1. Huselius and Umberger should help Nash take his game to another level. 2. Coach Ken Hitchcock's iron-will approach seems to be worth a few wins every season. He will ensure that this team is committed to strong defensive play. 3. Leclaire's performance in 2007-08 had the feel of a breakthrough, and not just a hot season.

Three reasons to worry: 1. The Blue Jackets were the NHL's lowest-scoring team, and a 10% to 15% improvement might not be enough. 2. Although Columbus dramatically altered its defense, it's difficult to know how much better it will be. 3. Fans are becoming restless because of the lack of success, and another missed postseason could result in a backlash.

Forecast: The Blue Jackets are the only current NHL team never to make the playoffs. Even if they improve, that distinction could remain. The West is tough.

Check out these new "Is this the year" ads from the NHL. Believe me when I say these are very well done....probably the best ads I've ever seen from the NHL.

While we are at it, check out this marketing strategy from the Phoenix Coyotes.

-LTL