If you’re new to hockey, you should know that the defense, or “blue line”, is made up of three pairs of defensemen. You’ll notice that more than six defensemen are mentioned below. The number is 16, to be exact. This isn’t an exhaustive list of defensemen in the entirety of the Blue Jackets organization either. These are players that are either safely on the team, pushing for a spot now, or could be pushing for a spot in the near future.
While it’s always good to have options, there will be some talented players sitting in the press box or playing in Cleveland this season. That’s good for Cleveland and for development overall, but not necessarily good for egos. There’s also a chance that a trade or two could see some of these players shipped out before the season starts.
I’ve noted each player’s stick-handedness after their name. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that player can only play on that side of the ice, it provides an idea of where each player is likely to slot in.
Roster Locks
Werenski (L), Severson (R), Provorov (L), Boqvist (R), Gudbranson (R)
Is anyone else significantly more comfortable with the top four than they were going into last season? Severson may not be Werenski’s ideal partner long term, but he’s certainly an upgrade from Peeke or Boqvist defensively. Provorov can be seen as Gavrikov’s replacement and a healthy Boqvist under a new coach and a new system could take a big step forward.
Pushing for the Last Spot
Bean (L), Peeke (R), Blankenburg (R), Berni (L), Christiansen (L), Jiricek (R), Svozil (L)
It’s hard to imagine Gudbranson not playing on opening night, leaving just one spot in the lineup. It’s possible that Peeke or Blankenburg could fill that spot, but it could largely be based on how married to the typical LHD-RHD pairing Babcock is. If he looks to a lefty for that spot, it will likely be a battle between Bean, Berni, Christiansen, and Svozil.
Jiricek is the major wild card heading into training camp. If he earns a spot in the lineup, all hell breaks loose. He would likely play on his natural side, meaning one of Severson, Boqvist, or Gudbranson gets moved to a different spot or to the press box.
Peeke is probably the odd man out with the additions of Severson and Jiricek. If he’s not traded before the season starts, he will likely be sitting in the press box until there’s an injury. Blankenburg is in a similar position, but he’s waiver exempt and could find himself in Cleveland.
Not Quite
Bjork (R), Knazko (L)
Bjork performed admirably last season, but he too has been pushed down the depth chart due to new additions and healthy players. He’s probably not more than a depth player anyway.Knazko does have NHL potential. He, however, is further down the pecking order of callups, so more development in Cleveland for him.
The Future
Mateychuk (L), Ceulemans (R)
Don’t expect to see either of these two in the NHL next season. Mateychuk will be heading back to Moose Jaw of the WHL and Ceulemans will continue to marinate in Cleveland. That said, the guys in Columbus shouldn’t get too comfortable with these two lurking.