Jiricek Trade The Columbus Blue Jackets sit 12-13-4 with 28 points and are currently in last place in Metro. Many people around the league, including people in Columbus who follow the team, expected this team to be dead last in the NHL, but that hasn't happened. After the Patrik Laine trade and losing Johnny Gaudreau to an unspeakable tragedy, no one would've batted an eye if this team had just packed it in for the year. But these guys are professional and this is their career. They've dedicated this season to their lost brother. Sure they've had some ups and downs, as is expected with a young, heartbroken team. But they have beaten a lot of the NHL's top teams and refuse to quit. Despite being under hockey .500, the Jackets have players who are playing well. Zach Werenski is having one of the best seasons ever for a Blue Jacket defenseman and is widely considered the best player on the team. He leads the league lead in goals by a defenseman and is third in points. He's on an 84-point pace. He's also the seventh-fastest American defenseman to 100 goals, doing it in 515 games. Sean Monahan is playing inspired hockey and is undoubtedly playing for his best friend Johnny Gaudreau. He's on pace for around 70 points this season. Kirill Marchenko is having a third consecutive year of solid play. Marchenko is on pace to beat his personal high in goals, assists, and points. He's on a 78-point pace. Mathieu Olivier has turned into the NHL's premier tough guy. He is more than willing to protect his teammates and spark his team if need be. He's already set a career-high in goals and should best his high in points as well. So who is the MVP? Take the poll below. We will tabulate the votes and post them at a later date. What's Next - The Blue Jackets are home for the last game of a three-game homestand against the Anaheim Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks] on Saturday night. What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum. [https://thehockeynews.rtb.io/NHLCBJ/posts]
