The new season for the Columbus Blue Jackets starts tomorrow against the Minnesota Wild.

We're one day away from the start of the 2024-25 Columbus Blue Jackets season. It's been a long journey from the end of the 23-24 season, but we're finally here. 

With the Jackets moving on from Patrik Laine, losing Captain Boone Jenner and young Dmitri Voronkov to long-term injuries, and the unthinkable loss of superstar Johnny Gaudreau, this team will be fighting an uphill battle all season. 

But the games must go on. So let's take a look at some predictions for the upcoming season. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

The 24-25 season will be here tomorrow for the CBJ. This first season is most definitely not gone how Don Waddell had envisioned, but the games have to be played and players need to be on the ice. 

Losing important players such as Boone Jenner and Dmitri Voronkov is going to hurt, but that gives other players a chance to step up and prove that they deserve to be in the NHL.

Buckle up for a wild ride this season. 

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

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