Turning the Corner: The Columbus Blue Jackets' Path to Redemption and Development in the New Season

After the drama of the Mike Babcock fiasco, the Columbus Blue Jackets training camp is underway. A year after injuries decimated the Blue Jackets and prospects missed the mark of making a true impact when pressed into NHL action, the organization has turned the corner. Head coach Pascal Vincent who was pressed into the position with the sudden firing of Babcock will need to develop along with the young players.

With only 59 points last season, this season may see a slight bump in the points total but that is alright, some things need to happen before the Blue Jackets can think about competing for a playoff spot or making a big jump in the standings. Continued development of young players such as Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko, Cole Sillinger, and, rookie Adam Fantilli is vital to the long-term success of the organization.

Cole Sillinger who was marred in a massive sophomore slump and ended the season in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters is a bounce-back candidate. The organization fully expects Sillinger to be closer to the 16 goals, 15 assists, and 31 points he netted as a rookie. Those numbers could see a bump depending on who his linemates are.

When defensive anchor and two-time All-Star went out for the season the Blue Jackets blueline suffered and the rotating door of players never ended and there was no consistency to the unit. Werenski is now healthy and the team went out and traded Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. Both new faces are proven veterans who are known for not missing games.

The good news is that the Blue Jackets do not need to rush David Jiricek. If Jiricek makes the team out of training camp, great. If it is determined more time in the AHL is needed the organization is in better shape with Provorov and Severson now in the mix.

Perhaps the most telling sign of progress or lack thereof will be goaltending. Last season Elvis Merzlikins was abysmal. Merzlikins did not look right from the beginning of the season right on through. Backup goalie Daniil Tarasov when healthy struggled about as badly as Merzlikins.

To the point, Elvis Merzlikins needs to be better. He needs to stop trying to make the flashy saves and just stop the puck. Tarasov needs to stay healthy and return to the player the Blue Jackets think he can be.

This season for the Columbus Blue Jackets is about the development of young players, new players finding their place, and goalies showing last season's disappointing performances and health issues are in the rearview mirror. It is also about players staying healthy and on ice and not at the trainers table.