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Just Exactly Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Will Win the Stanley Cup |
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Thanks to the inspiration of Eklund, the Hockey buzz cast, and the selling of hope, every team at an absolute minimum starting this season has a 1-in-32 shot at winning the Stanley Cup, with a 1-in-16 shot at making the playoffs, and a 1-in-3 shot at qualifying for playoffs within your own division. The more you break it down, there’s more hope that builds. Since the title is giving away what the topic is, let’s break down exactly why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the Stanley Cup in the 2021-2022 NHL.
Strong Winger Quality and Quantity
The possession of one of the strongest cores of wingers in the league, it relives the pressure of scoring off the defense and centers to push the play. The quality stretches throughout their top 9, but the experience also stretches down to the press box and top 6 on the Cleveland Monsters.
The return of winger Guatav Nyqvist; the full season of Patrik Laine; and the offseason acquisitions of Jakub Voracek; Gregory Hoffman; and Brendan Gaunce solidifies the strength of their experienced wingers. Nyqvist has not played a regular season game since November of 2019; Laine came over with Jack Roslovic in the early portion of the 2021 season for Pierre-Luc Dubois; and Voracek came over in a swap for Cam Atkinson.
The arrival and blossoming of Yegor Chinakov may help make or break the the unexpected improvement of the wing, as most of their centers also have professional experience on the wing. Boone Jenner, Jack Roslovic, Alexandre Texier, Emil Bemstrom, Kevin Stenlund, Sean Kuraly, and Max Domi can all play center, but have games played as wingers as well. The space and time on the ice and with the puck for the centers to know the wing and help the wingers helps push the play forward.
Even the winger experience in the minors helps the Blue Jackets talent down with the Cleveland Monsters. Veterans like Brett Gallant, Nathan Gerbe, and Tyler Sikura can help the kids out with fulfilling their potential. The prospects this season have been competing with themselves to make the main roster, at it is a compelling and evolving situation for the Columbus wingers to help them win this season.
Development Done Right
Zach Werenski. Oliver Bjorkstrand. Boone Jenner. Jakub Voracek. Jonas Korpisalo. Elvis Merzlikins. Kevin Stenlund. Emil Bemstrom. Vladislav Gavrikov. Andrew Peeke. Gabriel Carlsson. Alexandre Texier. What do these names all have in common? All are Columbus draft picks that are on the active roster in 2021. Jarmo Kekalainen drafted every single player on this list except Jenner and Voracek; that was done by Scott Howson and company.
The development of these players make up most of the core, defense, and is the goaltending. In hockey, there’s luck, patience, and timing that help with development of players, but also success of a team. Kekalainen has himself one of strongest hockey development departments many have seen over the last several years.
Postseason Experience
For the first time since 2016, the Columbus Blue Jackets missed the playoffs. However, 2016 was a successful year for Columbus as the affiliate Monsters won the Calder Cup. The only three players that remain on that championship roster that are with the Columbus Blue Jackets today are Zach Werenski, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Jonas Korpisalo. Their number one defenseman; their top scoring winger; and their tandem goaltender. That shows the strength of the development and success of the Columbus roster.
Even though 2019 was their only series win in franchise history, the experience from the years prior and their additions from the recent seasons do have offseason experience. Jakub Voracek played many years in the playoffs with the Flyers; Laine had the prolific Western Conference Final battle with Winnipeg against Vegas; Sean Kuraly lost to the Blues in 2019 with Boston; and Domi, Boqvist, and Bean have only gotten their first tastes of the playoffs with their previous organizations.
The hunger is being built from within, and what better way to satisfy it with a cup.
Zach Attack
Zach Werenski is the star of the squad, leading the defense into every battle every game, with a new contract looming. Winning on his final year of this contract will help soften the new deal to some fans, but he’s also got the kids’ supporting him between Carlsson, Peeke, Bean, and Boqvist all being drafted in 2014 or later.
The veteran of the team is Scott Harrington, and he is a rotator between the sixth and ninth best defender, only being 28 years of age.
X Factor
The guy that has to get this team over the hump is a healthy center Max Domi. His grit and scoring can reach elite levels, but it has not come together in Columbus under the old Tortorella regime. With Larsen at the helm and offseason shoulder surgery, he could propel this team into contender-ship with his attributes and abilities.
Thoughts?
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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