2010-11 Jackets Season Preview

(Columbus, Ohio)

The Jackets are now entering their second full season under the command of GM Brett S.. The rebuilding effort has been relentless since he took over the Blue Jackets two seasons ago, but the results have been so far unimpressive (5th last two years ago, 1st round playoff loss in four games last year). By the looks of things going into this season there may have been a stall in the rebuilding efforts, with many players not developing as hoped. Ideally they would like to contend for a playoff spot but if it looks inevitable that the Jackets will miss out on the playoffs, don't be surprised to see Springinotic continue the rebuild by dumping players for picks. Let's take a look at the upcoming roster for the season.


We will start at the centre position, leading things off with big Finn Mikko Koivu. Koivu is the Jackets best player by far, he's very defensively responsible and is an absolute whiz in the faceoff dot; he isn't wearing the "C" for no reason. Add to all that he posted a team high 91pts last season to lead the Columbus attack.

Mikko Koivu

Playing centre on the second line is Mikhail Grabovski, who has been in trade rumours for what seems like the duration of his career in Columbus. Newcomer Jay McClement controls the middle on the third line, adding great defence and faceoff ability. Rounding out the centre position on "O" is the man known as "Z", Zenon Konopka. It's pretty clear what Z has been brought in here to do (to use his hands, and not on his stick!). Sitting up in the pressbox at centre is Oscar Moller, who was nabbed in the second round of the dispersal draft, and whom the Jackets have high hopes for. Also, regretably, Derek Dorsett will likely not see much ice time this year either with the addition of Z, but Dorsett appears to have a good shot to crack the lineup next year.

Jody Shelley

Flying co-pilot on the left side of Mikko Koivu on the top line is Czech native Radim Vrbata. Vrbata put up a very impressive 41 goals and 85pts last year and similar numbers are expected of the sniper this year. Playing second line left wing for the first part of this year will be young Canadian Zach Boychuk. Nikita Filatov, the young Russian elite talent will likely draw into some games on the second line also. Both of these players were nabbed in this years entry draft, just part of the rebuilding effort. Ruslan Fedotenko skates on the third line as of now, but who knows how long he will last. Banging and crashing on the fourth line this year again is heavyweight Jody Shelley, who posted an impressive 343 pims last year and believe it or not will be looking to "improve" on those numbers. Left wingers who likely won't see much time this year with the Blue Jackets: Alex Giroux and "Crazy Train" J.F. Jacques.

Wayne Simmonds

Riding shotgun with Koivu and Vrbata on the right side this year again is U.S. olympian David Backes. Backes had a Great Season last year for Columbus, netting an impressive 48 goals. Backes will be relied upon heavily this year to provide offense for the Jackets. Kyle Okposo is another member of this team that will have to put up stellar numbers for this team to succeed and make a run for the playoffs. Third line right-winger Wayne Simmonds is a burgeoning young power forward who likely will play out a long career in Columbus red and blue. Returning for his second season to continue his pugilism on the Jackets fourth line is rugged winger Jared Boll, who along with Jody Shelley and Zenon Konopka will be in all his glory this year especially when matching up with division rival Chicago Blackhawks and their list of NHL heavyweights. The lone right winger who likely won't see ice time this year is 2010 draftee Michal Repik.

On to the D core. Heavily depleted after the blockbuster trade involving Tom Gilbert, there are a few guys who will have to be relied upon heavily this year to try and stop opposing attacks on Jacket 'keepers. The first
D-pairing consists of big, rugged Matt Greene, and swift-skating youngster Kyle Cumiskey. It has long been known that the GM has had a soft spot for Cumiskey. Matt Greene is a shot blocking extraordinare and defensive specialist who should have a spot on this team for a long time. Playing first/second pairing D also is 20 year old Zach Bogosian, who was a 6th overall pick in the entry draft two years ago and figures to be the future leader of this team. Gritty defenders Mark Stuart and Theo Peckham should log their fair share of minutes this year as long as they continue to play physical and get into a few dust-ups. Karl Alzner will likely play to his games limit, and free agent claim Martin Skoula should fill in to make up for the games missed by Peckham and Alzner.
Peckham Huge Hit

Last but not least we come to the goalies. CBJ GM is actually quite satisfied with the situation in net. He has grizzled vet. Nikolai Khabibulin as a solid backup to Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury was acquired in a trade prior to the season that saw the Jackets bidding farewell to Matt Stajan and Tom Gilbert. He is very confident in Fleury's ability and believes he will only get better with time. All we know is that he will have to be lights out to keep this team afloat this season.

That is all for now, look forward to more entries as the season rolls along.