The 2023-24 Edition of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been announced
Columbus has announced the roster that will take the ice this Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers. Although everything went as expected, there were still a few players that many thought would make it, that didn't.
Forwards
The general thought is that Jack Roslovic would make the team, but will be traded later. As he is going into the final year of his contract, and there are issues seemingly with his consistency according to some, this will be a year for him to prove himself and either earn an extension. Now whether or not that's in Columbus, or elsewhere, is to be determined.
Liam Foudy making the team could be due to a few reasons. Did he show what he needed to show last year, that carried into this year's training camp, and that was the reason? Or was it his waiver status? I highly doubt he would be picked up on waivers, so I'm guessing it's his performance.
Dmitri Voronkov will be taking the Kirill Marchenko route, he will be back, so don't worry CBJ fans.
Defense
Everyone that made the opening night roster was pretty much expected. With David Jiricek and Nick Blankenburg being waiver-exempt, it was an easy decision to make. Jiricek and Blankenburg will both be sent to Cleveland. There was no need for Jarmo to rush and trade anyone just yet. The seven d-men they have can do damage both offensively and defensively. Many people believe that this D-Corps will be improved, much improved.
Injury News
Mathieu Olivier, Daniil Tarasov and Yegor Chinakhov were all put on IR. Jordan Dumais was also put on Season Opening Injured Reserve.
So, the roster is set for opening night, now we wait until Thursday to see who will suit up and play against the Flyers. Elvis Merzlikins will be the starter in net, but who will be the odd man out on defense, Adam Boqvist, Jake Bean, or Andrew Peeke?
The season is here.
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