2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. In my last preview, we looked at the Arizona Coyotes. Now, we head back to the Metropolitan Division to preview the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2021 Offseason
The Blue Jackets made a couple of significant trades this offseason, the biggest being moving disgruntled Seth Jones to Chicago and getting Adam Boqvist in return. They also shipped out Cam Atkinson for Jacob Voracek and acquired Jake Bean from Carolina. Columbus also extended key RFAs Zach Werenski and Patrik Laine.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Blue Jackets roster is a bit of a mixed bag. They look good in some areas, yet the top line and second pair look like potentially significant weaknesses.
Forwards
Newly acquired Jacob Voracek and Oliver Bjorkstrand will lead the Jackets’ offense. Columbus would also like to see a return to form for Patrik Laine, who never seemed to hit his stride following the trade from the Jets last season.
The Blue Jackets forward group has a number of contracts with projected value below league median. Some of these players will have to outperform the model projections for Columbus to have a strong season.
Defensemen
The Blue Jackets made some nice acquisitions on defense this offseason. Adam Boqvist projects as a top pair defenseman and comes with a great value contract for 21/22. Likewise, Jake Bean looks like he could have top pair impact and also comes with a good value contract.
With Seth Jones gone to Chicago, Zach Werenski becomes Columbus’ de facto number one defenseman and they’ll need him to step up to earn his cap hit when his extension kicks in for the 22/23 season. His projected impact is a top pair defenseman for 21/22 with value right at league median. With his cap hit set to nearly double on his extension, the Jackets will need more from him in the future.
Goaltenders
The Blue Jackets’ goaltending has been a strength in recent seasons and there is no reason to expect that to change this year. Incumbents Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo are back and should provide stability in goal.
Team Performance
The Blue Jackets have enough talent to battle for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan. With a number of teams in similar position, they’ll need a few players to step up above the model projections if they hope to see action in the postseason.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
