The Columbus Blue Jackets brought talent in on defense and have some promising young forwards. Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens discuss whether they sneakily jump up the standings. Johnny Gaudreau hugs Patrik Laine after a goal against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 14. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjc4ODU3NTEzMTE2ODc2/usatsi_19792308_168400847_lowres.jpg] Johnny Gaudreau hugs Patrik Laine after a goal against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 14. The Columbus Blue Jackets were one of the busiest teams to begin the off-season when they acquired Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov. They then drafted Adam Fantilli third overall. Considering Zach Werenski is also expected to return in full health, the Blue Jackets are anything but write-offs before the 2023-24 NHL season begins. But is their roster likely to contend for the playoffs? Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens analyzed Columbus as part of their Metropolitan Division preview episode of The Hockey News Podcast [https://thehockeynews.com/podcast/the-hockey-news-podcast-2023-24-nhl-season-preview-metropolitan-division]. The Columbus Blue Jackets brought talent in on defense and have some promising young forwards. Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens discuss whether they sneakily jump up the standings. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS 2022-23 Result: 25-48-9, 59 PTS, 8th in Metropolitan, 31st in NHL Key Additions: Adam Fantilli (C), Damon Severson (D), Ivan Provorov (D) Key Departures: Lane Pederson (C), Gavin Bayreuther (D), Michael Hutchinson (G), Jon Gillies (G) FURTHER READING NHL Prospect Overview [https://thehockeynews.com/news/2023-24-nhl-prospect-pool-overview-columbus-blue-jackets]: Tony Ferrari examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Columbus Blue Jackets' prospect pool. The prospect expert also analyzes the 2023 NHL draft class, other notable players, and the skater he thinks is most likely to graduate to the top team, Adam Fantilli. NHL Hot Seat Radar [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-hot-seat-radar-2023-columbus-blue-jackets]: Adam Proteau has Jarmo Kekalainen on the hot seat for the Blue Jackets after 10 years as the team's GM. What could happen if Columbus misses the playoffs again? NHL Off-Season Outlook [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-off-season-outlook-columbus-blue-jackets-still-have-a-ways-to-go]: Earlier this summer, Adam Proteau examined the biggest needs and positives for the Blue Jackets heading into the off-season. The Hockey News Yearbook [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]: Check out the in-depth preview for all 32 NHL teams, as well as their projected finish in the standings and much more. Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine and get a free issue at THN.com/Free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. The Hockey News’ Columbus Blue Jackets Team Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/]: Check out the latest news, rumors, analysis and more all about the Blue Jackets at THN.com/Columbus.
