We love what runs through our own head, whether it be ideas, speculation, thoughts, drama, actions, dreams, nightmares. Anything in between. Right now, the hockey world has gone Vegas mode, and it’s giving more time to be creative and advance what can be said while there’s silence. With 43 regular season games played thus far by the Columbus Blue Jackets, here are 43 things to discuss, whether it’s past, present, or future.

1. The build is going smoother than a lot anticipated. Given most speculation of last around the league, the rookies in Cole Sillinger and Yegor Chinakov have blossomed since the Traverse City tournament this past summer. Merzi’s strong start has also kept them out of the basement, but the kids have got it.

2. The Columbus Blue Jackets sit 5th in the Metro, tho the Islanders have games in hand. Will they avoid last?

3. Jack Roslovic is on the market per Severalli, though don’t see the move.

4. Daniil Tarasov played NHL games, and could become the next Bobrovsky.

5. Bonne Jenner leads the team in goals, who else saw that coming?

6. Jakub Voracek has one goal since his return. Will there be a more productive second half?

7. Elvis for Veznia is dead.

8. Speaking more of goalies, Joonas Korpisalo will be moved at the deadline.

9. Poor Korpi always seems to fall behind a better goaltender in Columbus, whether it is Merzlikins or Bobrovsky, and soon Tarasov. Korpisalo helped in Lake Erie during their cup run, and helped out in 2019. Could his price be higher the more he is played?

10. No talks as of yet between Laine and the Columbus crew.

11. Zach Werenski is top 10 in NHL ice time on the season, 5 minutes ahead of second on his own team. Will there be fatigue near the end?

12. Max Domi’s name has been only whispers to this point. Wouldn’t he be the perfect Ranger? Just saying…

13. Wonder if the depth pieces in Kukan and Harrington could fetch something.

14. Eric Robinson’s injury hurts the fourth line.

15. Speaking of the makeshift fourth line, Hoffman’s exit may have been the shock of the season. Losing Hoffman, Rinaldo, and Lefebvre, all guys brought in this summer to be gone is quick work and a concern on future depth moves.

16. Big name per Chris Johnston of TSN— Jacob Chychrun. Jackets have been in the mill, and the Jackets are aware the price is high, but not everyday you see an elite defenseman with term and control out there. A Chychrun—Werenski pair is strong.

17. After injury woes, Adam Boqvist has looked to develop nicely in Columbus.

18. Nathan Gerbe has yet to play a game this season due to LTIR.

19. Gustav Nyquist is tired for first on the short handed goals list.

20. Brandon Dubinsky v John Tortorella or Tortorella v Zegras?

21. Ten year old Connor and his highlight reel goal is the feel good moment of the season.

22. Fifth Line Fun Dip is the hashtag of the season.

23. Does Kevin Stenlund stick with this now? Edmonton has been looking into him per Friedman.

24. Per Ek, Laine and Islanders. Lou loves paying a lot for goals. Would half salary retained get more for the Jackets.

25. Speculation per Kevin Allen that Columbus may acquire money at the deadline for picks. Not sure the logic, though Arizona just confirmed they would collect.

26. Vladislav Gavrikov has grown into the number two defenseman nicely with his funky socks.

27. Zach Werenski and Jonathan Marchessault are the current and former draft selected Blue Jackets in the All Star game.

28. Emil Bemstrom and his late start haven’t paid off as well as the team would’ve hoped. But in his games, his speed has shown, with 4 points in 14 games.

29. Jake Bean has been a speedy add to play up and down the lineup since the deal with Carolina.

30. Alexandre Texier continues to blossom as a Blue Jacket and under the Larsen system.

31. Jack Roslovic’s play has not lived up to expectations. Shocking for the hometown.

32. On the opposite side, Sean Kuraly in his fourth line center role has done wonderfully, points wise, Faceoff percentage, and penalty kill time.

33. Gavin Bayreuther has redeemed himself back in the Bus since being the one claimed by Seattle.

34. Oliver Bjorkstrand has been the most complete player on the season.

35. Patrik Laine is on a hot streak, and is on the rise coming towards his contract

36. Patrik Laine has also been linked to the Panthers, Ducks, and Kings.

37. Domi has been conntected to the Penguins. Seems like a Burke player.

38. Korpisalo has been connected to the Flyers and Avalanche, but also heard the Oilers and Sabres.

39. This team needs a number one center and Kent Johnson is still a couple years away. Shocked he didn’t make Team Canada.

40. Zach Werenski won the Vegas competition for the Fountain Faceoff over Roman Josi and the other NHL All Stars. Nice bonus will come his way for that.

41. Fun fact: Anyone else forget that Kraken F Alex Wennberg is still being paid by the Blue Jackets? His money comes off at the end of the year.

42. Andrew Peeke has finally blossomed into a full time NHLer after being a 2016 draft pick.

43. After 4 goals in January, Yegor Chinakov may be the rookie to Watch on Columbus and in the second half of the season.

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