The Blue Jackets have released the playing roster for Friday’s preseason tilt in Minnesota against the Wild.
Not too surprised to see a veteran heavy lineup – games at the Xcel center, even in the preseason, tend to get rather chippy, and the Wild aren’t likely to hold back with their lineup. Having some experienced vets and more than a few guys like Cody Bass and Dalton Prout who are unafraid to respond in kind is a solid strategic move. This will also be the official debut of Anton Blomqvist, who missed the Traverse City tournament and the previous three pre-season games with a groin injury.
Most interestingly, this will be the first showing of what could be this year’s top line, as Rick Nash, Jeff Carter, and Vinny Prospal are all activated for the game, and coach Scott Arniel indicated to Rob Mixer that Carter, Nash, and Prospal will likely see time as a line combo.
Here’s a best guess at lines based on the roster:
Nash – Carter – Prospal
Mayorov – Vermette – Atkinson
Gabriel – MacKenzie – Russell
Drazenovic – Payerl – Bass
Tyutin – Wisniewski
Russell – Martinek
Johnson – Blomqvist
Prout
Sanford
York
Extra bodies: Delisle