Before the season started, I made some predictions for the 24-25 season. Although none of them were earth-shattering by any means, no one knew what to expect from a team hit with the ultimate tragedy just over a month before training camp. 

So, take a look at my predictions below, and the final results. 

Predictions For The 2024-25 Columbus Blue Jackets The new season for the Columbus Blue Jackets starts tomorrow against the Minnesota Wild.

Most Goals Scored - Kirill Marchenko - Marchenko had two 20-goal seasons to start his career, and broke Pierre-Luc Dubois' rookie goal-scoring record two years ago. But this year, he kicks it up a notch by leading the team in goals again. But this time he scores 35 and proves himself as an elite NHL scorer. 

Result - I was pretty close on this one. Marchenko being the leading scorer wasn’t a hard pick, but getting 31 goals in a huge step up for him. 

Most Assists - Zach Werenski - Werenski had 46 assists last season and had a career year, despite missing 12 games. This year, he will be looked upon to do more. This season, he will break the 50-assist mark by finishing with 56 assists. He will just miss out-scoring Sean Monahan for the team lead. 

Result - Another close call, but Werenski did even better than I thought he would. Norris caliber year for sure. He finished with 59 assists. 

Most Points - Sean Monahan - Monahan is averaging 58 points per 82 games played and had 59 last season. This year, he will be the top-line center unless Adam Fantilli takes the spot. Monahan will no doubt be playing with a heavy heart this season, but he will channel Johnny throughout the season. His career high is 82 points with the Calgary Flames. This season, he will lead the Jackets with 70 points.

Result - Sean Monahan was having a great year until the injury bug bit him. After coming back from missing two dozen games, he picked up right where he left off. Averaging more than a point per game, Monahan helped this team make a strong push to the playoffs, coming up just short. He finished with 57 points. 

Most Points By A Defenseman - Zach Werenski - Zach Werenski is the obvious answer being that he's by far and away the best scoring defender on the team. Last year he set career highs in assists and points, but this year he will be looking for more. He will finish with 68 points, just a couple of points behind Sean Monahan.  

Result - Another no-brainer here, and yet again, Werenski made me look silly. Werenski broke several team records on his way to scoring 82 points, which is good enough for the second-highest point total in CBJ history.

Most Wins By A Goalie - Elvis Merzļikins - Elvis played well in the pre-season and looks to carry that over into the regular season. It's no secret that it's going to be a tough year for this team, but Elvis looks to regain his old form. With all that said, Merzļikins will do his part and win 20 games. While 20 wins doesn't seem like a lot, this team isn't expected to win many, so in this case, it is. He will outplay Daniil Tarasov and earn the majority of the starts for Columbus. 

Result - Merzļikins had a much better year this season and finished with 26 wins. He missed a handful of games down the stretch due to a concussion. His 94 wins are two behind Steve Mason for 2nd all-time. Time will tell if his career is finished in Columbus. 

Player Who Will Have A Breakout Season - Kent Johnson - Johnson is the sexy pick for this prediction, so I'm not exactly thinking outside the box on this one. Johnson has packed on some muscle and looks physically bigger, both on and off the ice. If, and that's a big IF, he can stay consistent and healthy, Johnson should have no problem breaking his personal record of 40 points he set during his rookie season two years ago. Don Waddell is going to give him every opportunity to succeed, and he needs to take full advantage of it. Johnson will have a breakout year and reach 50 points, and will lead the team in power-play points with 24. 

Result - Kent Johnson has arrived. Johnson finished the season strong and was 4th in points(57), 3rd in goals(24), and 4th in assists(33). 

First Player Traded - Ivan Provorov - Provorov did fine in his first season as a Jacket, but his contract is up after this year, and Don Waddell will want to get something for him. But that's not the reason why he'll be traded. He'll be traded because Denton Mateychuk will give them no choice but to call him up. Look for Mateychuk to be called up at some point, causing Waddell to have to make some tough decisions. 

Result - The team played well this year, and Don Waddell rewarded them by keeping them together. Im glad I was wrong about this one. Don Waddell has said a few different times that he wants to keep Provorov and sign him this summer. Provorov also told the media on Friday that he would like to get a deal done with Columbus soon. 

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