Weekly Five: Standouts in Preseason

The Blue Jackets had a slow start in preseason, much like what usually plagues the team annually at the beginning of the regular season, however as time passed the Blue Jackets became almost unstoppable and these players showed they have what it takes to be a Blue Jacket:

5. RYAN MURRAY

While Ryan Murray’s performance wasn’t surprising, many people were wondering whether or not Murray’s health problems in the past would hinder his play. He seemed to be a different player early on in preseason, however each game pushed him back toward the mold of the Ryan Murray Jackets fans have come to love. Having a healthy Murray on the blue line this season could be the entity that pushes the Blue Jackets forward to where they want to be. He finished tied with Dalton Prout for most points by a Jackets defenseman with 3 in 4 games. (3 in 5 for Prout).

4. OLEG YEVENKO

When Yevenko’s name appeared on the training camp roster, many of the Blue Jackets faithful saw him as a training camp journeyman who had never been able to make any type of impact at the professional level. Starting with his decimation of Cody Beach against the Blues, to the thunderous hits and the surprisingly good skating, the 6’7” tank has worked his way into the hearts of Blue Jackets fans very quickly. Not only do fans love him, Blue Jackets management does as well. Jarmo Kekalainen believes that Yevenko has a very high potential ceiling and looks forward to watching him continue to develop. Yevenko earned himself an upgrade from his AHL contract to a two-way deal with the Blue Jackets and may be on the Nationwide Arena ice again very soon.

3. JARED BOLL

Boll had said he trained this summer to come back faster and stronger than ever, and he showed it in his opportunities this preseason. Not only did Boll produce offensively posting 2 points in 6 games, he was no longer left behind by a game that was too fast for him. Boll could keep up with the pace of play allowing him to make big hits, defensive plays and even get into scraps with more ease than ever before. Boll appeared to do exactly what he needed to in order to preserve his roster spot for now, however the question remains about if he can do this in the regular season; which he shows all the signs of being able to do.

2. WILLIAM KARLSSON

When the last round of cuts occurred late last night, there was one name staying up who came somewhat as a surprise. Karlsson showed everyone that he can play in any position and produce, much like former Blue Jacket Mark Letestu. When “Wild Bill” posted his 4 point night in Buffalo, it all but guaranteed he’d be up in Columbus this upcoming season. The next night against Nashville Karlsson did not post any points, however his defensive ability mixed with his speed and surprising physical ability was still prominent. While Karlsson may not play opening night against the Rangers, he could very well be a main-stay on the Blue Jackets hockey club for the entirety of the season.

1.     THE FIRST LINE

The Blue Jackets first line of Saad-Johansen-Foligno was statistically the undisputed most productive line in hockey this preseason.  Foligno and Johansen each played 4 games, while Saad only played three. The combined total for the line was 29 points in 4 games. Not only that, the shooting percentage was above 30% for every member of this line. These players have instantly clicked with one another and became unstoppable. The unselfish play of each player creates a multitude of chances and the point production (a combined 11 points for the line last night against Nashville) has been able to energize the team. While it is essentially impossible that this level of play will continue throughout the entirety of the regular season (if it did Johansen would be on pace for 246 points in an 82 game season), the line will likely continue to dominate. Here is an example of the ability this line has:
 

Here are the top 5 point leaders this preseason: