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"Columbus Blue Jackets" - November 2, 2021 – Vol. 75, Issue 6 - Rob Mixer

Fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets would be wise to keep a close eye on blueliner Jake Christiansen this season.

After a dynamic 2019-20 season in which he led WHL defensemen in goals (22 in just 38 games) and tied for third in power-play goals, Christiansen’s fast-rising game caught the eye of Blue Jackets management. GM Jarmo Kekäläinen signed him to a three-year entry-level deal as an undrafted free agent in March 2020, just before the league (and world) shut down due to COVID-19. Columbus believes it has a diamond in the rough with Christiansen and, as the team looks to add to an NHL blueline that has its share of skilled players such as Zach Werenski, Adam Boqvist, and Jake Bean holding down top-four roles, the native of West Vancouver, B.C., could join them before long.

Christiansen’s development seemed to be taking a step forward during his first year of professional hockey with AHL Cleveland before an injury cut his season short after 28 games – but he remains determined to break into the NHL sooner rather than later. He has exceptional puck skills and has shown he can be a difference-maker at the pro level, and his skating ability helps to make up for the occasional coverage mistake. Entering a second year of pro hockey, Christiansen, 22, began the 2021-22 season in the AHL and will be counted on to log big minutes in a variety of situations – but the Blue Jackets particularly like his power-play ability, and he put in a lot of work over the summer to improve his shot from the point.

Competitiveness comes naturally to Christiansen, and the Blue Jackets see a player who never stops going and can drive play from the back end at 5-on-5 as well as quarterback the power play. During the 2021 NHL prospect tournament in Traverse City, Mich., Christiansen was a fixture on the Columbus defense and helped lead the Blue Jackets to an unbeaten record. If he can take another step forward and anchor a young Cleveland blueline in 2021-22, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him slip on a Blue Jackets sweater before the end of the season. As one scout said, “(Christiansen) could be in Columbus very soon if he continues to develop as he has.”

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Here's the scouting report on Jake Christiansen:

Jake Christiansen is a left-handed defenseman known for his offensive capabilities, particularly his puck-moving skills and shot, but also for needing to improve his defensive play. He's earned a spot in the Columbus Blue Jackets' top six due to his hard work—Christiansen's journey to the NHL involved going undrafted and spending over 200 games in the AHL. Christiansen is the Cleveland Monsters' all-time leading points producer by a defenseman. 

Strengths: 

• Offensive Abilities: Christiansen is an offensive-minded defenseman with a strong shot that can beat goaltenders cleanly or create rebounds and tips. He is also a solid puck-mover.
• He is described as someone who likes to play with the puck and get involved in the play, according to Damon Severson.
• While his defensive game is an area for improvement, he has shown growth and provides a reliable presence on the blue line, according to DobberProspects. 
• Christiansen has demonstrated consistency in his play, which led to a two-year contract extension with the Blue Jackets

Weaknesses: 

• His play in the defensive zone needs to catch up to his offensive abilities.
• Christiansen has the body and smarts to be a full-time NHLer, he just needs to put it all together.

Overall: Christiansen is a developing defenseman with a promising future. He has shown the ability to contribute offensively and improve his defensive game. His journey to the NHL is a testament to his hard work, and he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Blue Jackets.

Jake Christiansen will most likely make the Jackets this season as the 7th defenseman, but he'll be rotated in and out most likely. As a left-shot defenseman, he has Werenski, Mateychuk, and Provorov ahead of him, so it might be a long season for the youngster. Should Provorov need to switch over to the right side, Christiansen could jump in with no issues. 

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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