Long existing gaps in Columbus lineup ready to be filled by young talent
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Nash's Sidekick Is On The Way - Mar. 1, 2011
The Blue Jackets’ biggest needs haven’t changed much during their decade in the NHL – a playmaking center who can hang with marksman Rick Nash and a defenseman (or two) who can carry or pass the puck out of trouble.
Blue Jackets fans don’t want to hear about the “future” much anymore, but the Jackets do have players in the pipeline who can fill those specific needs.
As many as seven on this 10-player list are earmarked to be NHL regulars in 2011-12. That’s either a condemnation of the current club’s talent level, or a tribute to the Jackets’ recent draft history.
1 | RYAN JOHANSEN
C, 18, Portland (WHL)
6-2, 192, 45-26-30-56-48
The Blue Jackets were delighted to see Johansen continue his upward trajectory with an outstanding performance for Canada in the World Junior Championship. He was, at times, a dominating player against his peers.
OVERALL 2
No question, Johansen is seen as Rick Nash’s future center and the future surely will be in 2011-12.
Johansen needs to fill out his lanky frame, especially his upper body. His skating is improving, but his vision and playmaking skills are special. What delights the Blue Jackets most is his well-rounded two-way play.
ACQUIRED 2010 draft, 4th overall.
2 | NIKITA FILATOV
LW, 20, Springfield (AHL)
6-0, 190, 14-3-6-9-8
Filatov was a major disappointment again this season and many are wondering if he’s not the club’s latest draft bust.
OVERALL 29
After making the club out of camp, Filatov quickly lost his spot and by early December was sent to the minors with no goals in 23 games.
It’s not enough to stay he struggled; Filatov looked scared to compete for pucks and had zero impact offensively, even on the power play. Since being sent to the AHL, he’s been only marginally better and his future with the organization is now in question.
ACQUIRED 2008 draft, 6th overall.
3 | JOHN MOORE
D, 20, Springfield (AHL)
6-2, 189, 47-3-15-18-12
Moore’s skating ability is special and it will be his ticket to the NHL. It earned him a look this season and will give him a spot in 2011-12.
OVERALL 35
The Blue Jackets were interested to see how the swift, slender Moore would handle the rigors of the pros. The early returns are positive. After a slow start, Moore has been very good against older players, logging heavy minutes.
It’s unlikely Moore will ever be a big point producer at the top level, but his mobility and puck-movement are made for today’s NHL and are desperately needed in Columbus.
ACQUIRED 2009 draft, 21st overall.
4 | MATT CALVERT
LW, 21, Springfield (AHL)
5-9, 164, 38-13-12-25-12
The Blue Jackets wanted to give Calvert plenty of time to get acclimated to the pros, but after two and a half months in the AHL, they couldn’t wait any longer.
Calvert looks like a full-fledged NHL player and he’ll almost certainly finish the season in Columbus. He has already pegged himself for a permanent spot in 2011-12.
For now, he’s opening on the fourth line, but coach Scott Arniel has used Calvert’s energy and straight-on play as an example and motivator for some of the club’s top-six forwards.
ACQUIRED 2008 draft, 127th overall.
5 | TOM SESTITO
LW, 23, Springfield (AHL)
6-5, 228, 35-9-12-21-154
Avoiding injuries has been the biggest hurdle for Sestito, but 2010-11 has been a statement season for the four-year pro.
He probably deserves to be in the NHL right now – that’s how impressive his nine-game stretch with the Blue Jackets was earlier this season. He was returned to the AHL before he needed to clear waivers (10 games).
Sestito has learned to play a physical game without burying his other attributes. The big guy has pretty good touch around the net, such that he earned second-unit power play time while in Columbus.
ACQUIRED 2006 draft, 85th overall.
ON THE HORIZON THE NEXT FIVE
6 | DAVID SAVARD
D, 20, Springfield (AHL)
6-1, 200, 42-5-14-19-6
Calling card is a deft touch on the power play and a booming slapshot.
ACQUIRED 2009 draft, 94th overall
7 | WILL WEBER
D, 22, Miami (CCHA)
6-4, 208, 24-1-7-8-49
Rugged D-man had his junior season sidetracked by a skate cut to his jaw.
ACQUIRED 2007 draft, 53th overall
8 | CODY GOLOUBEF
D, 21, Springfield (AHL)
6-0, 195, 42-4-10-14-30
Puck skills, skating have dramatically improved; more offensive pop.
ACQUIRED 2008 draft, 37th overall
9 | CAM ATKINSON
RW, 21, Boston College (HE)
5-8, 165, 25-20-15-35-24
Speed and skill to burn; may lead NCAA in goals a second straight season.
ACQUIRED 2008 draft, 157th overall
10 | TOMAS KUBALIK
RW, 20, Springfield (AHL)
6-2, 189, 49-16-18-34-28
Willing to sacrifice body for goals and it’s led to a good first pro season.
ACQUIRED 2008 draft, 135th overall
Up Next: Columbus travels to Vegas to take on the Golden Knights on Thursday.
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