ESPN Ranks Top-100 Players
ESPN released its Top-100 player predictions for the 2023-24 season yesterday, and the CBJ had three players on that list.
Forward Patrik Laine was listed at #83 this season, he was at #47 last year. It's no secret that Laine needs to stay healthy, if he does, he's set for his biggest year as a Blue Jacket. Laine is signed through 2026 and is still only 25 years old.
Defenseman Zach Werenski is #64, he was at #39 last year. Werenski was coming back from shoulder surgery and looked a bit rusty in the preseason, but once he gets his hockey legs under him, he should be the same Zach Werenski he's always been. Werenski is signed through 2028.
Superstar Johnny Gaudreau is #39, he was at #33 last year. Gaudreau should always be on the top line, so Pascal Vincent just needs to figure out who best to pair with him on his opposite wing and at center. Kirill Marchenko seems to be the obvious choice. Gaudreau is signed through 2029.
Next season this list could contain young guns Adam Fantilli and David Jiricek, with a few more knocking on the door.
Former Jackets on the list include Sergei Bobrovsky (97), Pierre Luc-Dubois (73), Jonathan Marchessault (59), Seth Jones (52), and Artemi Panarin (32).
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