Jackets Preview

[MJK]

Columbus Blue Jackets Season Preview

The Youngest Team in the CPHL Ready to Battle

When GM Penney took over mid season last year, he looked at his newly acquired roster and didn't really like what he saw. "There was no direction here. There were a lot of older, average players with the exception of Patrick Kane. He was signed and then traded immediately which started the ball rolling.

Gone are Holmstrom, Blakee, Ryder, Fernandez.

In are Kopitar, Thornton, Oshie and Backstrom.

The Jackets missed the playoffs by 1 point last season primarily due to the fact that were were unable to submit our best lines many nights due to computer issues. This year that has been corrected so there are no more excuses and the primary goal of the organization is to see some post season action.

Opening Day Roster:

Kopitar - Thornton - Oshie
Higgins - Hanzal - Bourque
Van Reimsdyk - Moss - Kaleta
Donovan - Shannon - SKille

Meszaros - Vlasic
Byfuglien - Martin
Lepisto - Lebda

Backstrom
Nittymaki

One of GM Penney's experiments is to see how his young team can perform. We have a solid foundation with some excellent young players but Penney is unsure if this will translate to wins. The average age of the Jackets is 26.19 years old. Not even the Florida Panthers are younger! We feel the Jackets are in somewhat of a rebuild mode but being able to compete is always a priority for GM Penney.

"We want to make the playoffs and anything short of that is a disappointment. I have made a lot of deals and will not be afraid to keep dealing if things are not clicking" said Penney.

Depth is a real problem in Columbus with very few prospects.

We are excited for the season and can't wait to get going.

Team Goals:
1. Make the playoffs
2. Win the division

[Goffie]

The Jackets have a solid group moving forward now and should be in the battle for the playoffs. A couple upgrades up front and you could become a contender in the West.

This team shows that if you commit to a lot of trading you can pull a pretty quick turnaround.

[simmer2]

I think Goffie is bang on...you've showed that lots of trading can lead to a quick turnaround...you definitely have the ability to compete for the playoffs this year. The only thing you don't have is a lot of scorers..you have lots of guys who can pass the puck.

[SweetDoc]

With Backstrom in net you'll have a chance to win every game, that was a great pickup. I could see this being a dangerous team at some point with one or two upgrades.

[Knut]

Like the team, hate the GM. :-)

[Da_Chief]

I don't like the team or the GM.

Otherwise, playoff group though. I'm sure you'll grab couple more upgrades where needed and make it in comfortably.