The CBJ Writer

Okay, before I get into where we're going, I'm going to address where we are.  Why?  I want to and this is my blog!  Regarding the Oliver Bjorkstrand trade, after Bob McElligott mentioned him being someone likely traded in his July 1st podcast, it was less of a shot to me when it happened Friday.  His cap hit nearly fit what we were over to keep Laine at his new 4 year, $8.7 Million deal.  Reminder, Bjorkstrand was signed at 5 years for $5.4 Million, 4 years remained.  As I said, the math made a lot of sense.  My issue is now how it was handled.  First, Bjorkstrand scored the most goals on this team last season, with 28 total.  To me, that's worth more than a 3rd and 4th round pick.  I've seen people say this and also say it was fair, how you feel is how you feel.  Personally, I feel it should've been a 2nd and 3rd in the 2023 NHL Draft. However, with that being said I don't think this was about getting the best trade for Bjorkstran...

It's been an eventful now two days, today being the second, as the Columbus Blue Jacket release news on yet another signing.  Yesterday, #29 himself (Patrik Laine) got his deal we'd all been waiting on.  For his 4 years at 8.7 Million AAV to work however, a player had to be traded.  That player was #28, Oliver Bjorkstrand.  A bitter-sweet day for sure.   Today, we have another singing to address, one of Trey Fix-Wolansky.  When the 23-year-old Right Wing played with the Blue Jackets in the 2021-22 NHL Season, he appeared in just 6 games.  His impact in those games were felt though, with a goal and an assist.  Not bad for his first year playing an NHL game.  His deal gives him the ability to go between the AHL Cleveland Monsters and the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, just like his last one did.  This deal is only for the upcoming 2022-23 NHL season.  The payday is very different too.  If Fix-Wolansky ends up playing for the Cle...

With the good comes the bad 5th Line, and we knew this was coming.  With Laine in someone had to be out for the cap space to make his new 8.7 Million AAV Contract work, over the next 4 Seasons.  Sadly, we now know the player exiting will be Oliver Bjorkstrand, number 28.  It really hits you hard when you remember the wedding pictures of him and his new wife, from here in Ohio, less than a week ago.  Last season he appeared in 80 games, one of the highest on the team due to injuries and Covid issues.  In those games he scored the most goals at, funny enough, 28.  In addition he had 29 assists too.   He will be dearly missed and was a favorite of mine.  I wish him nothing but the best in Seattle with the Kraken.  We did gain double pick in exchange for him.  These will be available to us in next years 2023 NHL Draft, with a single extra pick in rounds three and four.  (I'd have asked for a second and third, but that's just me.)...

It's finally happened, the Columbus Blue Jacket who had one of the highest Point Streaks in franchise history has re-signed with the team.  Patrik Laine played a total of 58 games last season, with 26 goals and 30 assists, his point total for the season was a top notch 56.  The next 4 seasons look bright for him as he takes the offer given to him by the Columbus NHL Franchise, which consists of a 8.7 Million payout for the next 4 years.  A huge congratulations to him.  Yes, someone will now have to depart the team to make this payment possible, but I'm keeping this post upbeat and focused on Patrik Laine's success in staying with Columbus.  He made his desire to do so very clear and now it is a reality for him.  Oh, the chills I feel writing that 5th Line!   Now, who is ready to see Gaudreau and Laine take the ice, TOGETHER, next season?  I am!   Also, way to go Jarmo, he just keeps rolling at General Manager folks!   Go C...

Remember, don't shoot pucks at the messenger, I have no control over this!   It was just posted by Aaron Portzline of the Athletic that, and I quote from his Twitter Post: "Thread:  A big couple days for #CBJ Re:  Patrik Laine, who has until 5 p.m." Friday to accept a one-year, $7.5M qualifying offer.  Funny world, isn't it, where the Blue Jackets have made an offer they hope Laine will refuse - at least initially. 1/7"  As you all know I like to take the numbers from a trusted source, but put my own spin on the analysis.   I think it would be interesting for Laine to accept this offer.  He had a very good season last year, with a 12 game point streak, during his 56 game 2021-22 NHL Season, with a total of 26 goals and 30 assists.  56 points for a player isn't bad at all, but when you put it up against Johnny Gaudreau who the Blue Jackets just signed a week ago exactly, it's less than half his total before the playoffs.  This 115 to...

I know 5th Line, it just had to be Washington!   Jeff Svoboda Tweet on July 20, 2022: "Good luck to Gabe in Washington!" Retweet by Washington Capitals Official Twitter Account on July 20, 2022 NEWS]  The Capitals have signed defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to a one-year, two-way deal."   As Jeff Svoboda said, I wish him nothing but the best.  The 6'5m 195 Lb. Defenseman had 2 goals and 7 assists last season, over a span of 38 games.  It's sad to see you go 53 and again, wishing you nothing but the best.   Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet on July 20, 2022: "Good luck to Gabe in Washington!" Retweet by Washington Capitals Official Twitter Account on July 20, 2022 NEWS]  The Capitals have signed defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to a one-year, two-way deal."    

The former Hockey Captain of Michigan University, who was signed the same day his fellow teammate Kent Johnson (Our 2021, 5th Overall Pick) to a 1 year Entry Level Contract for the remainder of the 2021-22 NHL Season, has been picked up for an additional 2 years by the Columbus Blue Jackets!  Many, myself included, have been waiting on this Defenseman getting a deal.  Today, the wait is over!   In the remaining Columbus Blue Jackets Season, once signed on, he played a total of 7 games.  In that time he had 1 goal and 2 assists.  Not a bad showing for going from the Men's NCAA Frozen Four, straight into the NHL.   I'm very happy to see this deal done.  He's a young Defenseman who will be utilized this season I'm sure.  We have many returning and newly signed Forwards, including Johnny Gaudreau, who will need good Defense to score.  Adding Nick Blankenburg back into the mix of who we already have is a great way to be sure that happens...

"It's a lot of fun to play here" and "young group."  Two reasons right of the bat when asked why he came here by Jared Smalley of NBC 4.   "Potential" and "excited".  Good words from a great player.  After the news conference today, I've gone from stunned and confused...to just stunned.   Also, re-watching this video, it's actually having problems loading because this is so popular.   For those wondering how Johnny got 13 from Kent Johnson.  "I don't need 13, he can have 13.  I feel bad, I don't want to take his number, I'll have a fresh new start" Saying that "dinners" will happen in return for Johnson's kindness.  We also know now that Johnson idolizes Johnny, so it's cool to see what the two will gain from this.  Johnny isn't too old to learn, and Kent is a young player who I'm sure can't wait to learn from the man he picked his NHL number for.  What amazing luck for Johnson thoug...

I'll start out saying this, Johnny was an offer the Blue Jackets couldn't refuse.  He's a talent among talents.  However, with his $9.8 Million deal now on the books, to sign Laine a player, if not many, has to go.  If you're a fan who cares about players, this post is not going to be pleasant for you.  However, I think some fans need a dose of reality.  This is for those fans who think every player is "expendable".  I have 4 degrees in business, so lets look at this like a business folks.   Johnny Gaudreau was given a long-deal, the likes we expected for Laine.  $9.8 Million over a 7 year timeframe.  Gaudreau played all 82 regular season games, 40 goals and 75 assists.  Some incredible numbers, beyond incredible actually.  So, let's just spitball a deal for Laine, the one I've heard a lot, $8.5 Million for say 6 years.  Again, this is only for an example so we can do math.  Given he'd accept this deal, which I don't ...

If my post gave you confidence in Patrik Laine being signed, I understand your confusion now as we sign a Forward during the first day of Restricted Free Agency.  The Second player signed today during such is a Left Wing from the Calgary Flames, the same team our new Defenseman (Eric Gudbranson) came from in our first Restricted Free Agent signing of the day.  The Left Winger is Number 13 (which will have to change as Kent Johnson is currently wearing that number)  Johnny Gaudreau. He is 5'9, 165 Lb. and is 27-years-old now but will turn 28 before the 2022-23 NHL Season begins, on August 13th. He's from New Jersey and interesting enough, was drafted by the Flames in 2011, meaning this is his first time being on a new NHL team in his long career. Now 5th Line, prepare to pull your jaw from the ground, because these numbers will blow your mind.  He played all 82 games this season.  He had 40 goals and 75 assists, putting him at 115 points for just the season AL...

It's been a big week for these two men.  David Jiricek was the first 2022 Draft Pick by the Columbus Blue Jacket, Number 6 Overall, on July 7th.  Just 6 days later he's inked his first NHL Contract for the next 3 Seasons.  This is the same contract extended to the Columbus Blue Jackets second drafted player, Number 12 Overall, Denton Mateychuk.  Each contract is Entry Level, given this is their first contract within the National Hockey League.  Both men are Defenseman and from what I saw today during the Development Prospect 2022 Tournament, I am very impressed.  These men both earned these deals and after the speed and talent I saw today, I wouldn't have hesitated giving them a deal either!   You can see David Jiricek's Elite Prospects Page, including all of his stats, here< https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/559522/david-jiricek You can see Denton Mateychuk's Elite Prospects Page, including all of his stats, here< https://www....

Well, at least the Blue Jackets waited to sign a man on Free Agency day after I got home from Prospect Development Camp Day 3!  Erik Gudbranson is a 6'5, 222 Lb. Defenseman from the Calgary Flames.  How's that for an experienced Defenseman 5th Line?  Getting into his 2022-23 NHL Season numbers with them, he played nearly the full season, with 78 games total.  In those games the 30-year-old Defenseman had 6 goals and 11 assists.  Since he is a Defenseman, I'll add in his 68 penalty minutes in his stats review too.   What did Jarmo Kekalainen have to say after his agreement was inked?  Thanks to Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider on Twitter) I can tell you.  "If you want a guy, there's a price of doing business, and we got it done."   Jarmo doesn't need my approval on his statement, but I will say I agree with him.  It's amazing to see him brining big talent to Columbus.  Jarmo is doing his job and we get to watch the benifit soon, b...

Via the Media Availability today (July 12,2022) at the Development Prospect Camp Day 2, Whitney Harding of NBC 4 asked Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen this:  "Laine update".  A topic we both agree he has to be use to questions about by now, for sure!   Now yes, there is still time to get this contract done, even if the deal isn't worked out by the start of our 2022-23 NHL Season, at the Carolina Hurricanes, on October 12th.  With that being said, given his extensive points and leadership on this team last season, having him locked down far sooner would be good for both the franchise and 5th Line fans alike.  So, what did Jarmo have to say in response  to her question?   "No, it's just a work in progress, and I'm not worried at all.  Both sides want to get a long-term contract done and the qualifying offer's now on the table...so that's just a formality anyways, but you know they want a long-term contract, we want a...

Out of 6 Restricted Free Agents on the Columbus Blue Jackets/Monsters teams, 4 have been given unknown offers to stay.  The first I'll mention is one I've been  questioned about since the 2021-22 NHL Season ended, yes, Patrik Laine is one of those 4 names!  The 6'5, 216 Lb. Left Wing has been offered to stay, but of course he would, given his 26 goals, 30 assists for 56 total points in just 58 games played.  When I see final details about him being signed and contract details, I'll let you now 5th Laine!  (Hope you like the hockey pun!  Next player!) As I said we have 4 names, but Laine is the hot ask, so I went out of order on my source and started with him.  Next player on the list having been offered a deal is Emil Bemstrom.  In 41 games he had 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 total points last season.  He did very well in Worlds however, which gives me a lot of belief in his skill for the 2022-23 NHL Season.  Also, to turn away a 23-year...

Just released with many great new names, along with a few we saw on thee NHL Ice toward the end of last season!  Personally, I want to see Nick Blankenburg, because he couldn't play at the final home game I won tickets to!  That's just me though.  You may want to see Kent Johnson or Jet Greaves, names we know.  However, I can't lie we have some amazing new comers too, like David Jiricek, Luca Del Bel Belluz, Marcus Bjork and many others.   You can see the full list of players to watch this week at Chiller North here< https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/team/dev-camp Go CBJ!  

It's the return of Prospect Camp and it's exciting 5th Line!  With the Pandemic improving the in person event will return, where we can watch the newest Columbus Blue Jackets from last week's 2022 NHL Draft.  For peace of mind though, all players will be Covid tested before they take the ice and mingle with their fellow prospects, coaches and fans.  This will happen in addition to the typical Pre-Prospect Camp medical testing, which ensures the safety of the player and their team on ice.   In addition to the men in this year's draft class, a few from 2021 will also make an appearance.  This is a great summer event which has no admission cost!  It will go from Monday July 11-Wednesday July 13, which is when NHL Free Agency opens up too, by the way.  So, it's about to get very busy 5th Line, the final building blocks are officially in place and it's time to begin assembling the 2022-23 Columbus Blue Jackets Team!  Are you excited?  I know ...

And just like that it's our final Pick of the 2022 NHL Draft.  It's a bitter-sweet moment for sure.  I have one more great player to introduce you to though, a Right Wing from the United States, James Fisher.  He stands at 6'2 and weights in at 170 Lb.  We'll get to cheer him on as he plays in College this upcoming 2022-23 Season for Northwestern.  Good luck to him and welcome to the Columbus Blue Jackets, James Fisher!   I'll have a full wrap up of the 2022-23 NHL Draft for your Columbus Blue Jackets later this evening.  Thank you to everyone who has read my posts and recently followed me on social media!  I do this out of a love for this team and the joy of writing about them.   We'll talk soon 5th Line. Go CBJ!   P.S. A huge thanks to Jeff Svoboda, Dylan Tryer, Bob McElligott and Jean-Luc-Grand-Pierre for their constant coverage of the Draft.  I know it's your jobs but to broadcast live today for over 3 hours, taki...

We have a Pick Trade 5th Line!  Jeff Svoboda can explain this simply, so here is his exact Tweet, then we'll get into numbers.   " WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE #CBJ have acquired San Jose's fifth-rounder (138 overall) for a 2023 fifth-round pick." So there you go 5th Line. With that 138th Pick we've gained a Goaltender from Russia! Now, ignore the fact he is only 5'11 and 180 Lb. Why? His numbers matter way more, trust me. Over the span of 26 games he had a high Save Percentage of .928 and a Goals Against Average of 2.17. Not bad, right? Right. Also, as we learned last season, you can never have enough Goaltenders. Never. Welcome to Columbus, Sergei Ivanov! Jeff Svoboda Tweet Reference Tweets on 7/8/2022 " The #CBJ have drafted goalie Sergei Ivanov with a fifth-round pick (138 overall) in the NHL draft. 5-11, 180 SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) 2.17 GAA/.928 save percentage in 26 games in juniors

With our 109th Pick Overall, the Blue Jackets have taken a Russian player.  Kekalainen mentioned that he wanted to base his picks on the player stats, not his country.  Due to the fact these players have no control over "the" situation we all know is playing out, I think this is respectful.  They've put in the work and deserve to play.   Beyond this, lets get into Kirill Dolzhenhov's numbers. He turned 18 years old this past April and plays in the Right Winger position.  He is a staggering 6'6 player, weighing in at 240 Lb.  If you wanted height and weight to throw around, folks we found your Draft Pick for sure!  In his MHL time he played just 33 games but scored 14 goals and 14 assist, for a grand total of 28 points.   Welcome to Columbus, Kirill Dolzhenkov!            Source: Dylan Tryer this time, on 7/8/2022 Tweet " Kirill Dolzhenkov is 6’6” 240. Wow. #CBJ Stats reference here< https://www.elitepros...

We've got a new Winger 5th Line, from Quebec!  At 5'8 and 165 Lb, this Left Wing player fits in well with what the Bleu Jackets/Monsters are building.  In 68 games this past 2021-22 Season he put up the best numbers of any pick so far.  109 total, consisting of 39 goals and an insane 70 assists!  I mean, how was Dumais not talked about more as a prospect, leading into this Draft?  O'well, worked out well for us!  Welcome to Columbus, Jordan Dumais!       Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet On 7/8/22 " The #CBJ have drafted wing Jordan Dumais with a third-round pick (96 overall) in the NHL draft. 5-8, 165 Halifax (QMJHL) 39-70-109 in 68 games with the Mooseheads this season Third in the Q in scoring this season

5 th Line we have a brand new Center from Canada and folks, he is very good!  He's an 18-year-old who comes in a 6'1 and 179 Lb.  He played in 68 total games this past season and put up some amazing numbers.  76 total points, made up with 30 gals and a huge 46 assists!  Talk about the kind of power house we need.  Jarmo Kekalainen is on a roll and this draft is going great for us.  All three of our men so far have put up some incredible numbers this season.  I can't wait to see them play with the team we already have established.     Welcome to Columbus, Luca Del Bel Belluz! That name is going to look sharp on the back of a Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey, I can see it now! More of his stats can be found here<https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/525669/luca-del-bel-belluz Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet on 7/8/22 " The #CBJ have drafted center Luca Del Bel Belluz with a second-round pick (44 overall) in the NHL draft. 6-0, 175 Mississ...

Again, my pick at 6 goes right before we have a chance at 12!  Conner Geekie goes to the Coyotes, as they trade up with the Sharks.   So, with the 12th Overall Pick, the Columbus Blue Jackets take... Denton Mateychuk!   We go with the double Defender Pick tonight!   He is a 17-year-old from Canada, with a birthday Tuesday.  How's being the 12th Pick Overall in the 2022 NHL Draft for an 18th Birthdaypresent?  I'd call it good!  He's 5'11 and 194 Lb.  In his WHL season this past 2021-22 Season he appeared in 65 games.  In that time he had an exciting 13 goals and a very impressive 51 assists for 65 total points.  For more stats on him you can go to my source here< https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/570931/denton-mateychuk Personally, I want to see him and Blankenburg, who are about the same height, team up.  You know WWE John Cena's saying?  "You can't see me"?  Oh, let's make that work in the NHL n...

This Draft went off the prediction sheet with Pick 1, which I think is fun.  The best Drafts are the ones no one can predict.  No one has a crystal in any sport, which make every Draft and NHL Season so much fun.  For example, my pick for our 12th Overall Pick was Cutter Gauthier, who was taken just before us at Pick 5, by John Tortorella's new Philadelphia Flyers team.  Ugh!  Oh well, on to us!   With that being said, with our 6th Pick and first in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets Take...  David Jiricek! Welcome to Columbus!   He is a Defenseman from the Cezch Republic.  At 18-years-old he is 190 Lb. and 6'3.   You can see all of his stats here<https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/559522/david-jiricek

Disclosure:   I have a Laine shirt I bought.  I like Laine and this is all a theory.  I'm being honest, when our 2021-22 NHL Season ended and Laine wasn't signed within the next week, I started to get uneasy.  Now my gut is screaming at me to write something, especially after coming up with an interesting theory.  It is Draft Day 2022 and Jarmo Kekalainen has done some interesting moves throughout the years.  I'd rather voice my theory now, than wish I had later if something similar comes to fruition.  Again, I do like Laine and I think he is an amazing player.  However, the NHL as I'm constantly reminded is a business.  This post below is based on only that fact, not my thoughts and feelings on this player, believe me.   My Patrick Laine Theory Again, I'm stunned like many of you that a deal with Laine hasn't been done yet.  I can say this about Blankenburg too, but Laine really sticks with me.  It has for the last c...