The Columbus Blue Jackets have a new GM in place and a new coach on the way. They also just added to a prospect pipeline that lacks a clear-cut weakness. Kent Johnson [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4OTIwNjI0MzM5NDI4OTc2/usatsi_22197257_168400847_lowres.jpg] Kent Johnson Update: This story has been updated after the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau. One of the reasons why Don Waddell is such a respected NHL GM is his frankness. There’s no pretense to him. He’s out to improve his employer’s team, and he’s not going to beat around the bush or play games with his players, coaches, fans or media. Another example of Waddell’s straightforward approach could be seen this week when he went on Vancouver radio station Sportsnet 650 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/don-waddell-appears-on-vancouver-radio-station-to-talk-about-his-team] to discuss the state of his Columbus Blue Jackets. In particular, Waddell was upfront when it came to discussing Columbus’ path to respectability, speaking about young winger Kent Johnson and the expectations on the Blue Jackets' up-and-coming players. "We talked a lot about (Johnson), watched a lot of the video of all our players," Waddell said. "We're at a point of our franchise with a lot of our young players – we need to take that next step with them. "Nothing against our veteran players; we've got some great veteran players here, but our young players are what's going to move us forward down the road, and Kent's going to be a big part of that." Johnson scored 16 points in 42 NHL games last season, but he also played 10 games in the AHL and recorded 15 points. He also recorded 40 points in 79 NHL games in 2022-23. But with him and others, Waddell was absolutely right to say Columbus will only go as far as their youngsters push them this season and beyond. Some of the top veterans will still be important players. But the Jackets' developing talent – including Johnson, sophomore NHLer Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger and David Jiricek – must take steps forward if the Blue Jackets are going to pull themselves out of the basement of the Metropolitan Division this coming year and rise up the ranks in the years beyond. If Fantilli evolves into an elite NHL talent and Johnson, Sillinger and Jiricek develop into on-ice leaders, the Jackets will start winning their share of games. From there, the veterans can chip in with their own contributions and make Columbus a team to reckon with. To that end, Waddell also spoke on the now-concluded Patrik Laine era in Columbus, noting he and new coach Dean Evason spoke to him and his representation numerous times. Ultimately, Laine wanted out, and the Blue Jackets didn’t want to start the year with a player who didn’t want to be in Columbus. "I have to look out for the best interest of the Columbus Blue Jackets, keeping in mind what Patrik’s wishes are," Waddell said. Waddell did well in landing defenseman Jordan Harris. The 24-year-old defenseman posted 11 assists and 14 points in 56 games with Montreal this past season, and he arrives in Columbus knowing he’s a part of the bigger picture. All in all, Waddell has quickly turned the aura surrounding the Blue Jackets from one of doom and gloom to one of positivity and opportunity, and that’s precisely what this franchise and its passionate fan base need more of. "I always say we're going to provide the tools and all that, but it's up to the players to take advantage of that," Waddell said. He’s spot-on – the players are now under the gun to either produce and be part of the solution or struggle and leave sooner rather than later. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/THNHOME/posts].
