*All stats in this article are from 1/15/2021 and do not include members of the taxi squad
The Columbus Blue Jackets kicked off the 2020-21 season with a loss to the Nashville Predators last night. After a loss, the shine of the new season can begin to dull making fans a bit grumpy. So, I’ve compiled the upcoming milestones for the Blue Jackets this season to give everyone something to look forward to.
After being acquired in the offseason, Mikhail Grigorenko, Michael Del Zotto, Mikko Koivu, and Max Domi are looking to make a positive impact on the Blue Jackets this season. The best way to start making an impact is by putting points on the board. At some point this season, all four will score their first point while wearing a Blue Jackets sweater.
Some of the new faces have looming NHL records. Del Zotto is 14 points away from 250 career NHL points. While, Grigorenko is eight assists away from 50 career NHL assists. Domi has two possible milestones on the horizon. He is 15 games away from 400 career NHL games played. If Domi gets heats up quickly, he’ll hit 100 career NHL goals in no time. He currently sits at 81.
Gabriel Carlsson and Liam Foudy are both on the hunt for their first NHL goal. While, Elvis Merzlikins and Alexandre Texier could hit 50 career NHL games played. Merzlikins has 33 appearances and Texier has 39.
David Savard is 10 goals away from hitting 50 career NHL goals. This milestone is on the cusp of “could happen” and “could not happen”. Savard isn’t known for being a defender who typically lights the light. However, he once had an 11 goal season. Scott Harrington is eight games away from 200 career NHL games. Being the seventh/eighth defenseman means he might not hit the milestone. Really, anything is possible in 2021.
Dean Kukan is 22 games away from 100 career NHL games. If he continues to be a staple on the third pair, Kukan will hit that milestone in no time. Since Gavrikov has been the best person to pair with Savard, he will hit 100 career NHL games played before the end of the season. Gavrikov currently sits at 70 games played.
Cam Atkinson is two goals away from notching 200 career NHL goals. All of which have been with the Blue Jackets.
Oliver BJORKSTRAND is three games shy of 250 career NHL games.
Pierre-Luc Dubois is seven assists away from 100 career NHL assists. Barring any trades, all 100 will be with the Blue Jackets.
Booner Jenner is 10 games away from 500 career NHL games played. He’s been a staple in the Blue Jackets organization since he was drafted. Sad to think Jackets fans might not be in the stands when he hits this incredible milestone.
The top defensive pairing on the team have a few milestones coming up this season. Seth Jones is five goals away from his 50th goal with the Blue Jackets. Assisting goals is where Jones shines though. He is two assists away from 200 career NHL assists. As well as, five points away from his 200th point as a member of the Blue Jackets.
Captain Nick Foligno has three big possible milestones this season. Four more goals and he enters the 200 career NHL goals club. If all goes well Foligno could see his 200th assist as a Blue Jacket (183) and 500th career NHL point (466).
As you can see, there is a lot to look forward to this season.