A Silver Lining in Columbus: The Youth Get Their Shot to Shine

The Columbus Blue Jackets had one of the most exciting summers in team history, only to be ravaged by injuries in what became a lost season. Except it isn't actually fair to call this a lost season because the healthy players are still trying their best. The only silver lining of losing the likes of Zach Werenski and Jakub Voracek long-term (among a cadre of other teammates) is that a number of young players have been given the opportunity to show what they can do. Two of the most prominent examples are forwards Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson.

"We've had the rash of injuries and we've had to plug guys in," said coach Brad Larsen. "Are they ready, are they not? When you're looking at nine or 10 guys out of your lineup, it's trial by fire. And I think they've handled it really well. They've had their ups and downs but they're pushing through a season and now they're elevating their games."

Marchenko is in his first pro season in North America, having developed back home in Russia until now. He started off the year with AHL Cleveland but has been a goal-scoring wunderkind since joining Columbus in early December. At one point, Marchenko had the very amusing stat line of 13 goals and no assists until he notched a helper against Toronto on Saturday - and then he scored another goal later in the game.

"This season is so fun for me," Marchenko said. "It's a new atmosphere, it's North American hockey. It's a good time for me and the guys help me. I don't know how I score goals, it's funny for me. I just go on the ice and it's great. Now I just think about the future and how I can play better."

With his big 6-foot-3 frame and obvious scoring touch, Marchenko's contributions both now and in the future with Columbus are tantalizing. He even saw time on the top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner in the win against the Leafs, and his coach loves the 22-year-old's attitude.

"Marchy has a real infectious personality," Larsen said. "He loves the game, he's a student of the game and he wants to get better. If something doesn't work out, he's working at it the next day at practice."

Usually when a player comes over from Europe, there is an adjustment period due to the rink dimensions, with North American ice being smaller than the "Olympic" ice over there. Marchenko's old KHL team, SKA St. Petersburg, actually plays on NHL ice - but the pace over here was an initial challenge.

"I don't think about the ice, but it is different hockey," he said. "Here it's a lot of rushes: breakaway, breakaway - it's fun. More skating: Backcheck, forecheck, more work without the puck. More skating, more power and go, go, go. The first games I was skating (so much) and I thought I'd die. Twenty seconds into a shift I'd be like, 'What happened?' It's crazy, but I like it."

So conditioning has been an eye-opener, but clearly, Marchenko is getting to his spots.

The Canadian Johnson naturally grew up on the smaller ice, and with his offensive bag of tricks, putting up numbers has never been an issue. The NCAA Michigan product got into nine games with the Jackets last season, but now he's a full-timer ranked top-five in team scoring with 26 points through 50 games. Still, he's a young player competing against the best in the world and the Jackets are working with him. Larsen wasn't happy with Johnson's start in the win over Toronto, for example, citing early turnovers and risky play - but he did like how Johnson rebounded.

"Late in the first period he does a spin-around backhand pass cross-ice and I'm like 'Whoa, slow down,' " Larsen said. "But he's so coachable and he knows. The next couple of periods he was really good."

Adapting to the NHL lifestyle has also been on Johnson's radar, though that one seems a little more fun.

"It's a lot more free time than college - you're not taking classes, so that's obviously nice," Johnson said. "The travel's cool; you get to go to a lot of great cities, so I'm loving it."

The Blue Jackets will not be making the playoffs this year; we know that already. Heck, they might even land the first pick overall, gifting them a magical young center in Connor Bedard. But the team's draft picks from a few years ago are making their presence known already and with all the opportunities available right now, Marchenko and Johnson can really give themselves a great foundation heading into next season. That's what you do when you get a chance to be an NHL regular.

"It's been a great experience," Johnson said. "I feel I've really developed and will continue to get better near the end of the year. I'm really, really grateful for it."