CBJ fans answered who they miss the most, and would love to have back in Columbus.
Columbus Blue Jacket fans have seen some of their favorite players get traded, or walk away in free agency, and some of them have stung over the years. Names like Artemi Panarin, David Savard, Nick Foligno, Rick Nash, William Karlsson, and Oliver Bjorkstrand, just to name a few. But who is missed the most? CBJ fans answered.
Oliver Bjorkstrand - 382GP | 111 goals | 234 total points
Bjorkstrand had the game-winning goal in game 4 of the historic sweep against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had lots of highlights in the eyes of CBJ fans, but that one in particular stands out. He's a smart player, who puts himself in good positions to make plays, and a coach couldn't ask for more. Unfortunately, he was traded to the Seattle Kraken in 2022, as a cap relief move after signing Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. Some fans have said they will never get over this trade, and I don't blame them. This one was tough to digest.
Artemi Panarin - 160GP | 55 goals | 169 total points
Artemi Panarin had no plans of re-signing in Columbus and even turned down more money for the bright lights and fancy garages of Connecticut. His two years in Columbus were filled with record-setting games and seasons, and although he had no designs on staying here, fans still think of him as one that slipped away. In hindsight, many fans are glad he turned down all that money because that contract would've ended up being hefty on the shoulders of the front office.
William Karlsson - 165GP | 16 goals | 47 total points
Karlsson was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft by the Anaheim Ducks, yes the Ducks. Many younger CBJ fans don't realize that he wasn't drafted by the Jackets. After he was traded to Columbus, his time was spent playing on the 4th line, and on the PK, which he did well by the way. But after he was chosen by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Expansion Draft, his career took off. With no expectations, Karlsson played out of his mind. He played in all 82 games, had 78 points, and had a shooting % out of this world at 23.4%. Since that season, he hasn't come close to the points production and hasn't come within 10% of that shooting %. Is he a player that slipped away though? He was exposed to protect guys like Josh Anderson and Joonas Korpisalo, at the time, that was a smart move.
There are plenty of others like Cam Atkinson, Matt Calvert, and Sergei Bobrovsky who were fan favorites and who are sorely missed.
Is there anyone else you would add to the list?
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