Season Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets
Major Additions: Michael Peca, Kris Beech
Major Subtractions: Aaron Johnson, Anders Eriksson
Analysis
Columbus is undergoing large changes but they may not bear fruit for several more years. Replacing their very nice but not-so-effective General Manager and bringing in Ken Hitchcock were big, important, intelligent moves, but neither man can change the team’s image overnight.
Hitchcock will have a quick improvement, provided the team’s players subscribe to his philosophy (I wouldn’t be surprised to see a player or two who doesn’t fit this mould shipped out within the first few months of the season). And let’s be honest - he has plenty to work with. Rick Nash is a genuinely explosive, game-breaking talent. Columbus has done a good job holding on to draft picks and has plenty of young players drafted with very high picks.
Michael Peca’s best days are behind him but even if he does not play a single shift for the Blue Jackets, he will help the team. His presence in the locker room, his leadership, his experience will be invaluable to the team’s young core, which hasn’t had much experience in winning thus far. If he can recover from his second major knee surgery, he will also provide the Jackets with a solid second line centre. The downside? Peca plays his best hockey in the playoffs, something he won’t likely see in Columbus.