Blue Jackets Forward Evaluation Part 1: The Departures

By William Espy

It’s coming down to the time of the offseason where transactions between teams are far between and few. The Blue Jackets have made quite a few moves on the forward front this off-season so let’s start by taking a look at the players who have left the team.

Mark Letestu:

Mark Letestu had been a member of the Blue Jackets organization since he was acquired through a trade on November 8, 2011. He was a versatile player who could play any forward position on any line. Following the emergence of Ryan Johansen as a number one center during the 2013-2014 season and the departure of Derek Mackenzie following the season, Letestu spent most of the 2014-2015 season in the fourth line center position. His contract expired on July 1, 2015 and although he had repeatedly expressed his desires to stay in Columbus, the Oilers had made an offer that Jarmo Kekalainen felt he could not match. The Columbus Dispatch reported Letestu was disappointed saying:

 "I wanted to see it through, we came a long way in a pretty short time, if you think about it. There are some great guys in that room, some real character guys who really want to win. We were so beat up this season - myself included - that it was a tough year, but we still felt really good about heading into next season. I didn't want to go. I wanted to see it through, be a part of what I think is going to be a very special string of years here in Columbus. I wanted to be a part of it, see it through. I'll still be watching, but I'll be doing it from afar."

He also stated that although Edmonton was his home town, whenever someone asked he said Columbus was his home. It’s a difficult process; however management could not let emotions get in the way. Letestu will be joining a very promising Oilers team, and Blue Jackets fans cannot wait to be able to welcome him back to Columbus and say thanks for the memories when they come to visit.

Artem Anisimov:

Artem Anisimov was acquired, with various others, in the trade that sent Rick Nash to New York. Anisimov fit into the lineup instantly. He is a big bodied centerman who could do just about everything. As time moved on, he started to fall out of the Blue Jackets plans. As concussions became more and more problematic, he began to miss time. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2016 and did not fit in anywhere on the lineup. His departure from Columbus was an expected one, and while it was not as emotional as some other pieces that left, Anisimov will be missed by the Blue Jackets faithful. When he arrived in Chicago, he immediately signed a five year extension. He will likely play center for Patrick Kane for the next five years, and he couldn’t be more excited. Nearly every Blue Jackets fan will agree on one thing, it will be odd not seeing the familiar number 42 on a daily basis in Columbus.

Marko Dano:

The departure of Letestu and Anisimov pulled on the heart strings of Blue Jackets fans, however the one that made most of them disappointed was Marko Dano. Dano appeared to be the Wonderkid for Columbus, in his first NHL season he had stepped in as an injury replacement and put up 21 points in 35 games. While that may not seem too impressive on paper, Dano made plays that caused fans to be awestruck. Look at this pass to Scott Hartnell for example:

Dano was the 27^th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He made his NHL debut on opening night of the 2014-2015 season, and he became a fan favorite from the start. His goofy personality, the ability for older-minded fans to make the “Book ‘em Dano” jokes mixed with his skill on the ice made him someone that could not be hated. Columbus has never had this big of an impact from a drafted player so quickly. Marko Dano became one of the most loved players on the team and #56 became more and more popular in the audience. Dano has all the makings of a future superstar and Jackets fans will always be proud to call him one of their own no matter where he is playing. The disappointment partially seemed to go both ways for a while. Dano stayed in Columbus and attended the Blue Jackets prospect tournament to say goodbye to fans. He then posted this on every form of social media he uses:

Today is the time to move on , bye bye Nationwide Arena. Everything begins in here. Home opener (10/11/14). pic.twitter.com/0XBOVyq80c

— Marko Dano (@Marko_Dano) July 6, 2015

 He has also kept the Blue Jackets in his Twitter bio, a very respectable move. Marko Dano is going to be a top player with Toews and Kane, now he is excited to be able to play with Hossa.

Corey Tropp:

There’s not much to say about Corey Tropp. He was a depth player for the Blue Jackets for most of his career, and did a pretty good job with it. He is quoted for saying “I only score pretty goals” in a joking manner, but for the most part it was true. For example he scored this highlight reel goal:

Tropp was a very well rounded player but lacked offensively in some areas. For most Blue Jackets fans, this is the lasting memory they will have of him:

Jeremy Morin:

Jeremy Morin was a player who always seemed to be in trouble for various reasons in Chicago, he never seemed to get an opportunity under Joel Quenneville and requested a trade to get more playing time. He would then be traded to Columbus in exchange for Tim Erixon and after an injury filled season and almost no production he was moved, unfortunately for him, back to Chicago. Morin has potential, however it seems like it will be difficult to make him use every bit of it.

Mike Reilly:

I was always taught if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.