By @CLulovics
Where to start? Well at the start of the year a lot of people from GM'S, broadcasters, national writers and television personal predicted that the Columbus Blue Jackets would be back to their former form and make the playoffs. As of January 16th, the team is in last place and it all appears to look like everyone was wrong. But weirder things have happened, just like in any professional sport. So we can't count this team out just yet.
Some of the good news this year has to be Brandon Saad. Saad is having a career year in goals and is currently on pace to set a new high in that statistic category. Saad was rewarded before the season even started with a new multi-year contract, has been rewarded yet again with his first ever All-star game to be played January 31st down in Nashville Tennessee. Boone Jenner is also having a career year as he is on pace to blow away his current highs in goals and points.
In other news, with the team not living up to expectations, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen traded former first round pick and number 1 center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators for their former first round pick defenseman Seth Jones. Will that trade prompt more in the coming weeks leading up to the trade deadline or will Jarmo stay put if this team finds its way? My take is that we have not seen the last as possibly more big names could be moved to free up salary cap space or to secure future prospects and or draft picks.
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has been battling a nagging groin injury since December 8th was activated off of injured reserve on January 15th. Also back up goalie Curtis McElhinney was placed on injured reserve during Sergei's stint resulting in the Jackets calling up both goalies from their minor league team the Lake Erie Monsters. Both young goalies were thrown into the fire put did their part in holding the net.
Either way, no one saw this season unfolding the way that it has. As a fan, it is discouraging that the results aren't better and I know the players feel the same way. The Blue Jackets fans have been with this team from the start of their franchise, through all the ups and downs, wins and loses, and they will continue to be there for their team as many have said that they are the most loyal and die-hard fans in the league.
As always, I will continue to fight the good fight and will be with this team until the end of time as I'm sure many of you will. So join me in either watching on T.V. or going down to Columbus and catching a game at Nationwide Arena or going down to Cleveland at The Q Arena and watching the future studs in action.
As always Carry The Flag, We Are The 5th Line, All Of Us, March With Us.
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