There are 53 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and today we look at the jersey history of #53. There have only been three players who have worn that number for the Jackets.
Let's take a look!
Josh Anderson - "The Andy Man" wore #53 when he first started playing games in Columbus. Anderson played a total of 267 games for the Blue Jackets, spread over six seasons. He scored 65 goals and totaled 115 points during his time with Columbus.
The 2018-19 season saw Anderson set career highs in goals, assists, and points. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to replicate that in Columbus. The following year, he tore his shoulder in December and had to have season-ending surgery, which wasn't decided until March.
There were rumors floating around that Anderson was upset about the injury and how it was handled by Jackets' management, so he wanted out of Columbus. On October 6, 2020, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for Max Domi and 3rd round pick in the 2020 draft, ending his career in Columbus.
Since the trade, Anderson has played in 349 games for the Habs. He has scored 81 goals and totaled 135 points over five seasons. His highest goal total in Montreal is 21, and his highest assist total is 13. His highest points total is 32, which he's done twice.
Anderson signed a 7-year, $38,500,000 contract with a cap hit of $5,500,000 per season in October of 2020, just days after the trade to Montreal. With one more season left on the current deal, it's safe to say that the Habs haven't gotten their money's worth on this deal.
Gabriel Carlsson - Carlsson was the 29th overall pick in the 2015 draft by Columbus. Late in the 2016-17 season, Gabriel came to North America and made his NHL debut for Columbus. He was able to secure an assist.
Gabriel spent most of his time playing for the Cleveland Monsters. He played in 205 games and totaled 47 points from 2017 to 2022.
He would sign as a free agent with Washington on July 20, 2022, and play a total of six games. He played 59 games for the Hershey Bears and helped them win the Calder Cup.
In 2023, he returned home to Sweden and signed to play for Färjestad BK of the SHL.
Luca Pinelli - Pinelli was drafted 114th overall in the 2023 draft. He played three games for Columbus in November and December of last season, but failed to register a point.
Pinelli spent most of his time in Cleveland last season. The shifty forward played 68 games for the Monsters and totaled 46 points. He also played 9 playoff games and had 3 points.
Pinelli could very well lead the Monsters in points this upcoming season, should Luca Bel Del Belluz make the big club.
Who was your favorite #53?
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