Post by Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov 23, 2023 13:12:53 GMT -6
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
As we are closing in onto the 25% mark of the season, things in Columbus have been looking very bleak, and that is an understatement. Below are a few of the highlights of the season so far.
The Good: Tom Wilson, Cole Perfetti and Connor McMichael
Tom Wilson came into Columbus during the offseason on a mega contract. So far, given the talent surrounding him, it appears as if he has mostly lived up to the expectations around him. He has contributed 8 goals along with 11 assists for 19 points, while also bringing in the physical style of hockey that GM Sullivan wanted in a player, as he has 56 Hits and 39 PIM's so far in his first 20 games in Columbus. He is expected to be a big part of the Blue Jackets as they enter the first full season into their complete rebuild of the franchise.
Cole Perfetti has gotten off to another good start in the minors this year. He has 12 goals and 12 assists in his first 20 games of the young season. If he is able to continue to produce at this kind of level, he should expect to see himself up with the big club as early as next season, or when the injury bug inevitably hits.
Connor McMicheal has created some great chemistry with Perfetti. He sits top of the team in points with 29 (12 Goals and 17 assists) in 20 games. He is also poised for a great rerate, and should hopefully be able to contribute to the big club as early as next year.
The Bad: Elvis Merzlikins
Its been a rough season so far for the newly signed Goalie in Columbus, Elvis Merzlikins. So far in 19 games, he has an abysmal 4.33 GAA and a S% of 0.877. Not great numbers that do indeed create some worry for GM Sullivan as he gave the netminder a 4 year $5,250,000 per last off-season however, some benefit of the doubt must be granted for him, as there is very little support provided in the defensive end for the back-stopper.
The Ugly: Everything Else
It shouldn't've come to a surprise to anybody, but this version of the Columbus Blue Jackets are just plain bad. GM Sullivan said during his hiring interview "That things around here are going to have to get alot worse, before they even start getting better". They are tied for last in the league for goals for, and unfortunately are 5th last in goals against, this is not a recipe for success. If there is one other bright spot about this poor showing of the team, it is that they currently own 7 draft picks in the first 2 rounds in this summers upcoming PFHL Entry Draft.
As we are closing in onto the 25% mark of the season, things in Columbus have been looking very bleak, and that is an understatement. Below are a few of the highlights of the season so far.
The Good: Tom Wilson, Cole Perfetti and Connor McMichael
Tom Wilson came into Columbus during the offseason on a mega contract. So far, given the talent surrounding him, it appears as if he has mostly lived up to the expectations around him. He has contributed 8 goals along with 11 assists for 19 points, while also bringing in the physical style of hockey that GM Sullivan wanted in a player, as he has 56 Hits and 39 PIM's so far in his first 20 games in Columbus. He is expected to be a big part of the Blue Jackets as they enter the first full season into their complete rebuild of the franchise.
Cole Perfetti has gotten off to another good start in the minors this year. He has 12 goals and 12 assists in his first 20 games of the young season. If he is able to continue to produce at this kind of level, he should expect to see himself up with the big club as early as next season, or when the injury bug inevitably hits.
Connor McMicheal has created some great chemistry with Perfetti. He sits top of the team in points with 29 (12 Goals and 17 assists) in 20 games. He is also poised for a great rerate, and should hopefully be able to contribute to the big club as early as next year.
The Bad: Elvis Merzlikins
Its been a rough season so far for the newly signed Goalie in Columbus, Elvis Merzlikins. So far in 19 games, he has an abysmal 4.33 GAA and a S% of 0.877. Not great numbers that do indeed create some worry for GM Sullivan as he gave the netminder a 4 year $5,250,000 per last off-season however, some benefit of the doubt must be granted for him, as there is very little support provided in the defensive end for the back-stopper.
The Ugly: Everything Else
It shouldn't've come to a surprise to anybody, but this version of the Columbus Blue Jackets are just plain bad. GM Sullivan said during his hiring interview "That things around here are going to have to get alot worse, before they even start getting better". They are tied for last in the league for goals for, and unfortunately are 5th last in goals against, this is not a recipe for success. If there is one other bright spot about this poor showing of the team, it is that they currently own 7 draft picks in the first 2 rounds in this summers upcoming PFHL Entry Draft.
