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Opening Day Roster

October 1, 2019, 3:57 PM ET [7 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Opening Day Roster has been announced via columbusbluejackets.com and includes:

Forwards

Wennberg, Atkinson, Nyquist, Lilja, PLD, Nash, Milano, Bjork, Boone, Texier, Bemstrom, The Captain and Anderson.

Defense

Jones, Werenski, Harrington, Murray, Gavrikov, Kukan, Savard and Nutivaara.

Goaltenders

Korpi and Elvis

The last four players moved were Dubi (IR), Foudy (IR/NR), Dano (AHL) and Peeke (AHL).

Most following the Jackets thought it would play out with the surprise that Dubi is on the IR to start the season. Getting their first opportunity up front are Lilja, Milano, Tex and Bemstrom. In reality both Milano and Tex have spent time in the NHL for a significant role before. Tex is carrying over a late season call up and playoff performance into the new season and Milano is getting his second (maybe 3rd if you count the beginning of last season) chance to stick with the NHL squad. Bemstrom and Lilja will see NHL regular season ice for the first time.

While Tex is penciled in on the top line, the other 3 will likely be in the bottom 6. Third line minutes with Boone and Anderson could prove productive in a bid to get more ice time for one of these guys.

On D, Peeke made it to the final cut. Which would signal that if they call up a defensemen from the AHL he should be at the top of the list. Harrington and Kukan proved their worth filling in on an injury-depleted D-corp in the playoffs last season and Gavrikov will see his first regular season action. The top 5 d-men in order read like this 1. Jones 2. Werenski 3. Murray 4. Savard 5. Nutivaara. That is solid. I'm not sure how they get paired but any way you shake it this has to be a top 5 defensive group in the NHL. If any of the other 3 falter Peeke is waiting to come up.

In goal there was no surprise with Korpi and Elvis being iced as the duo to start the season. Torts likes to go with the hot goalie so they are likely to get a 60% - 40% split unless someone gets injured. My guess is that we see Korpi to open against TOR and may see Elvis against PIT, but Korpi could go both.

Last note on the roster. While I like Peeke and believe he could skate in the NHL, I believe he would be relegated to a 3rd pair on this roster. That doesn't do him justice. It will be good for him to start the season with top-pair minutes even if it is in the AHL. He can get used to playing a pro hockey schedule and lead the group in CLE. When he gets his shot it may be with an opportunity to fill second-pair minutes.

Thank you for reading and GO JACKETS!
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