Forward Johnny Gaudreau's arrival energizes Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off the improbable, landing the hottest free agent on the market in winger Johnny Gaudreau.
The 29-year old Gaudreau had a career-high 115 points last season in his ninth year with Calgary. He was lured to Columbus with a seven-year deal worth $9.75 million a season and the prospect of playing closer to his New Jersey home.
"Johnny Hockey" might be the most exciting forward to play for the Blue Jackets since Artemi Panarin in 2017-19. He's a difference-maker, and the buzz is palpable.
"A lot of questions from people," said Blue Jackets forward and Columbus native Jack Roslovic. "Everyone seems to know of this Johnny Gaudreau guy who’s coming in. Is he the real deal? People seem to be excited and, I’d say, intrigued as well."
But how much of a difference will he be able to make?
Columbus finished last season 37-38-7 with 81 points, sixth place in the Metropolitan Division and 19 points out of the final postseason spot. The Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for the second season after four straight appearances.
The team's top goal-scorer and fan favorite, Oliver Bjorkstrand, was dealt to Seattle for draft picks to free up room under the salary cap. And Gaudreau quickly settled in — he bought Bjorkstrand’s house in Columbus.
THE FIRST LINE
Whether Columbus can produce more offense may depend on how Gaudreau meshes with right winger Patrik Laine, who signed to a four-year deal worth $8.7 million per season to stay in town. Gaudreau's puck-handling and playmaking ability should give the 24-year-old Laine an opportunity to improve on his 26 goals last season. The Jackets hope he can get closer to the 44 goals and 26 assists he recorded in 2017-18 with Winnipeg.
"It takes time to get used to playing with new players, but when you're playing with players like that, it comes easy," Gaudreau said after Sunday's preseason opener, a 5-1 win over Pittsburgh. "For the most part, I thought we played in the O-zone for most of the game, and we looked good together."
Veteran wingers Jakub Voracek (six goals, 56 assists) and Gustav Nyquist (18 goals, 35 assists) will be in the top six, but there will plenty of competition for the other forward spots.
IN THE MIDDLE
The issue of who will center the top line with Gaudreau and Laine will be worked out in training camp. It could be Boone Jenner, Roslovic or Cole Sillinger. Jenner is coming back after missing the last two months of the 2021-22 season with a back injury.
"I’m going to try a few guys in the middle," Larsen said. "Who’s going to start there? I might try Boone there right away. I haven’t decided yet, but that would be my choice right out of the gate. Veteran guy, and I think he could complement them."
MORE MUSCLE
The Blue Jackets got pushed around last season without an enforcer type of player. To help remedy that, they signed 11-year veteran free agent Erik Gudbranson, a 6-foot-5, 222-pound defenseman, and traded for Mathieu Olivier, a big, hard-checking forward who is not shy about throwing punches around. Rookie defenseman Nick Blankenberg, who impressed the team with his hard-nosed physicality at the end of last season, signed a two-year deal in April.
"We felt that we were light at times," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "That’s probably one cause of the defensive issues that we had. We have a lot of guys that are mobile and skilled, and good NHL players, but we were really light back there. Well, we’re a lot heavier back there right now."
IN THE NET
Elvis Merzlikins is the presumed starter at goaltender. He started 59 games last year after signing a five-year contract extension, but last year’s 3.02 goals-against average and .907 save percentage were career lows. Veteran Joonas Korpisalo, coming off late-season hip surgery, is the likely backup.
FIRE THE CANNON
One of the biggest adjustments for Gaudreau — and any player new to Nationwide Arena — is the ear-splitting blast of the cannon that fires before the game, every time the Blue Jackets score, and after a win. It can be startling to the uninitiated.
"It got me twice," Gaudreau said with a grin after Sunday's preseason game. "But we scored five times. I'm getting there. It got me on the first goal and at the end of the game."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.