As we approach the 2024-25 season, the NHL draft and free agent frenzy have already concluded, and the Blue Jackets have made minimal alterations to their lineup. It’s mid-July, and we ponder the team’s lack of significant changes.

Although there have been a few new additions and departures within the organization, overall, general manager Don Waddell has not completely disrupted the team dynamics as he embarks on his first season guiding the Blue Jackets.

It is quite logical in many aspects. When Waddell was hired in May, he praised the organization’s exceptional prospect pool. Although the team has several experienced leaders, such as center Sean Monahan and defenseman Jack Johnson who were acquired through free agency, the Blue Jackets understand that the growth and development of their young players on the current roster will be the key to achieving long-term success for the organization.

Put simply, introducing numerous new players would probably be a futile endeavor, as it is more likely to hinder the progress of the young players on the team rather than significantly impacting their win-loss record.

Once again, the focus of the upcoming season will be on the progress of several young players, including Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, Adam Fantilli, Dmitri Voronkov, Kent Johnson, David Jiricek, and Denton Mateychuk. Having showcased their skills in the previous season, it will be intriguing to witness their continued growth and development.

Although Waddell made a few acquisitions, the dominant narrative of the offseason thus far has been the numerous departures. Alexandre Texier was traded, Adam Boqvist was bought out, and players like Alex Nylander, Jake Bean, and Nick Blankenburg were permitted to leave through free agency.

This year, the Blue Jackets have focused extensively on identifying the players they believe will shape the future of the organization. Consequently, filling out a potential opening night lineup has become comparatively easier than in previous years.

Every July, after the initial days of free agency and when the team’s roster begins to solidify, we have made it a tradition to consider the trade request of Patrik Laine. Despite Laine still being a member of the Blue Jackets, Waddell has confirmed that he is assisting Laine in finding a new team. This means that there is a possibility of a lineup change depending on the trade return. Consequently, we will not include Laine in our current projected lineup.

However, for the time being, let’s attempt to predict what the situation might be like in Minnesota on October 10. Please bear in mind that this is just speculation, but here is our initial prediction for the Blue Jackets’ opening lineup as the upcoming season approaches.

Forwards

Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Yegor Chinakhov

Boone Jenner – Adam Fantilli – Kirill Marchenko^

Kent Johnson^ – Cole Sillinger^ – Dmitri Voronkov

Justin Danforth – Sean Kuraly – Mathieu Olivier

Also in the mix: Gavin Brindley, Hunter McKown, Mikael Pyythia, Luca Del Bel Belluz, James Malatesta, Trey Fix-Wolansky, Dylan Gambrell, Owen Sillinger, Cayden Lindstrom

^Denotes the player remains an unsigned restricted free agent

Beginning at the top, Waddell practically confirmed that Monahan would most likely be positioned as the primary center for the team. This would enable him to reignite his partnership with Gaudreau, who had been a steady linemate for Monahan from 2014-15 to 2020-21 in Calgary. Throughout that impressive seven-year period, the duo played over 5,500 5-on-5 minutes together, surpassing opposing teams with a score of 271-226 according to Natural Stat Trick.

The main question that still needs to be answered is who would be the best fit to play on the wing opposite Gaudreau. Let’s begin this discussion by considering Chinakhov. Despite dealing with injuries last season, he was on track to score nearly 30 goals. His exceptional speed and explosiveness would complement the more experienced duo, and his exceptional ability to score goals would make him a great fit alongside two skilled playmakers.

In his second season, Fantilli is expected to secure the No. 2 center position, especially considering the interesting combinations he has shown in the middle six. Waddell, on July 1, recognized that with the addition of Monahan, the Blue Jackets might consider moving Jenner back to the wing. Jenner’s energetic and relentless style of play has proven successful in the past in that position.

Despite Jenner’s ability to play in the center position, we have decided to list Sillinger as the No. 3 center due to his impressive performance towards the end of the 2023-24 season. Initially, we contemplated the idea of having Johnson and Marchenko accompany Fantilli on the wings, creating a formidable trio of young and skilled players. Alternatively, we considered placing Jenner and Voronkov on either side of Sillinger, which would make it incredibly challenging for opponents to play against. However, ultimately, we concluded that it would be more logical to distribute the players across different positions.

If Jenner decides to transition to the wing, pairing him with Fantilli would be logical. Jenner could serve as a mentor on the ice and offer assistance in faceoffs. Additionally, Jenner would complement Marchenko’s playstyle, either by occupying the netfront for his shots or capitalizing on rebounds, considering Kirill’s tendency to shoot the puck.

Johnson and Sillinger appear to have potential chemistry as a duo, and with Voronkov in the mix, there could be more opportunities for these two youngsters. Although the third line is still relatively young, they have the potential to blend well together if given a chance.

Ultimately, however, there are likely a few combinations that could be logical, and during the initial stages, several different lines will probably be tested to determine which individuals collaborate effectively.

Assembling the fourth line should be relatively straightforward, given that Danforth, Kuraly, and Olivier have previously formed a triumphant trio. According to MoneyPuck, they shared the ice for a total of 127 minutes during the previous season, resulting in a commendable 52.7 percent expected goal share for the Blue Jackets. This suggests that this line would pose a formidable challenge for opponents while also offering offensive potential.

Also in the mix: Picking a starting 12 was a bit easier this year than in past years, as the Blue Jackets have 12 players who stand out as having been regulars in past seasons. Of the group pushing for playing time, it will be most interesting to see Brindley at the start, as we know the second-round pick has NHL skills. At the same time, he’ll also have just turned 20 at the beginning of the season, so he seems likely to begin the year getting pro experience. in Cleveland. There are some good prospects in this group, but all of them would likely benefit from more time at the AHL level.

Gambrell, a 27-year-old center who has played 233 NHL games, recently signed in free agency and could be called upon if necessary. Although Lindstrom, the team’s first-round pick, has potential, it is more probable that he will continue to refine his skills at the junior level due to the team’s abundance of talented centers.

Defensemen

Zach Werenski – David Jiricek

Ivan Provorov – Damon Severson

Jack Johnson – Erik Gudbranson

Also in the mix: Jake Christiansen, Denton Mateychuk

The primary concern surrounding the Blue Jackets’ defensive lineup is determining the ideal partner for Werenski, a highly accomplished two-time All-Star who recently excelled in his offensive performance. Recognized as one of the league’s top defensemen, Werenski consistently plays for 25 minutes each game. However, the team is yet to find the perfect fit to join him on the right side of the ice.

According to MoneyPuck, Severson had the most playing time at 5-on-5 last season, accumulating 456 minutes. Following him was the now-departed Boqvist with 333 minutes, then Gudbranson with 233 minutes. Jiricek had the least amount of time skating alongside the top defenseman for CBJ, only managing 43 minutes.

Although Jiricek seems like the ideal choice in an ideal world, it’s important to note that he will only be 20 years old on opening night. While he possesses great talent, he is still in the process of gaining valuable experience. However, considering his impressive performance in the recent playoff run with Cleveland, we will place him alongside Werenski at the start, as their styles seem to complement each other well.

Provorov and Severson appear to be a compatible duo, and according to MoneyPuck, the Blue Jackets had a 52 percent expected goals rate when they played together last season. Although Severson could potentially play alongside Werenski, I have a feeling that keeping this pairing intact in the second position would offer stability, while also allowing Jiricek a chance to play in a higher role.

Next, let’s discuss the third combination, consisting of Johnson and Gudbranson, both seasoned and defensively-oriented players. This pair appears to be a logical choice, considering their ability to handle defensive zone faceoffs and provide stability, thanks to their extensive 31 years of NHL experience. Additionally, Johnson is a proficient penalty killer and demonstrated his reliability in his defensive role during the previous season.

Also in the mix: I put Johnson in the third spot on the left side to start, but it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see either Christiansen or Mateychuk earn their way into the lineup. Johnson was signed as veteran cover who can also be a leader on the back end, but if either of those youngsters is ready, they’ll earn plenty of playing time. Christiansen will be 25 on opening night and has proved all he needs to in the AHL, where he’s been an All-Star and one of the league’s highest-scoring defensemen the past few years. There are many in the CBJ organization who believe he could be ready to hold down a regular role in the NHL.

After a dominant season at the junior level, Mateychuk may not require much additional development. However, I anticipate that the 20-year-old will begin the season in the AHL to gain professional experience. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be surprised if he quickly proves himself and earns a spot in the NHL.

Goaltenders

Elvis Merzlikins/Daniil Tarasov

Also in the mix: Jet Greaves, Zach Sawchenko

Since arriving, Waddell has consistently expressed his desire to collaborate with Merzlikins, who has maintained a .889 save percentage over the past two seasons and still has three seasons remaining on his contract. While Merzlikins has displayed flashes of commendable performance in recent years, his main challenge lies in maintaining consistency. With the team undergoing changes, there is hope that Merzlikins can regain the form that led to his impressive top-five finish in the 2019-20 Vezina Trophy voting.

Tarasov’s future hinges on two significant factors. Firstly, his ability to maintain good health after a string of injury-ridden seasons. Secondly, whether he can consistently perform at the level he showcased in his final 13 appearances, where he achieved an impressive .933 save percentage. Despite being a highly regarded prospect, Tarasov, who is currently 25 years old, has the potential to become a top-tier goaltender only if he can consistently replicate his exceptional form from the end of the previous season.

This group definitely holds potential, yet each goalie at the top of the depth chart also has something to prove. Motivation won’t be lacking, that’s for sure.

Also in the mix: Greaves’ excellent season at both the AHL and NHL levels this past season showed he’s on the path to being a full-time NHLer, but there’s nothing wrong with him serving as the No. 3 goalie in the organization this coming season and continuing to work on his game. After all, the list of 23-year-old netminders who have NHL success isn’t particularly long. Right now, it appears that if everyone is healthy, he’ll form a duo with the veteran Sawchenko – signed from Vancouver this offseason – while 21-year-old Cleveland signee Pavel Cajan will also continue to gain experience in the wings.