Davidsson intent on living up to GM’s praise
Jonathan Davidsson was halfway around the world two months ago when Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen sang his praises.
During a news conference after the Blue Jackets’ first-round playoff loss to the Washington Capitals, Kekalainen, without prompting, mentioned Davidsson, then an unsigned sixth-round 2017 draft pick.
He said the 21-yearold right wing had an excellent season with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish League and already possesses “topend” NHL speed.
“(He’s) a player that we think has a good chance of making our team next year,” Kekalainen said. His words got around. “I woke up and my girlfriend’s dad told me that Jarmo had said that,” Davidsson said Monday on the first day of development camp in the OhioHealth Ice Haus. “They were big words. I was very happy.”
A week later, the Blue Jackets signed Davidsson to a three-year, Jonathan Davidsson, right, played in Sweden last season after the Blue Jackets picked him 170th overall in the 2017 draft.
entry-level contract.
Columbus selected Davidsson with the 170th pick of the draft a year ago after he went undrafted the previous two years. His younger brother Marcus was a second-round pick in 2016 by Buffalo and is now in the Sabres’ development camp.
The brothers played on Djurgardens’ third line. Not much should be read into the fact they didn’t comprise one of the top two lines.
“It was how the team was constructed,” Jonathan Davidsson
said. “We had a line from beginning to end. I think the coaches felt we had our spot there and then just let us go with the flow.”
Davidsson had 10 goals and 21 assists while averaging about 14 minutes of ice time in 52 regular-season games. He added four goals and as many assists in 11 playoff games, during which he averaged 17 minutes per game.
In addition to his speed, Davidsson considers his passing to be a strength. His highlight tape from last season
reveals a player with nice vision and a deft passing touch.
As for an area to improve, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Davidsson said he wants to improve his strength with the puck.
Davidsson participated in the development camp last year but knew he would return to Sweden in the fall. Now, he has a real shot to stick with the Blue Jackets.
“Obviously, I’m trying to learn as much as I can and bring things back to Sweden,” Davidsson said. “I work out a lot with my brother, and we try to get things from each other.”
He said Kekalainen’s complimentary words have added to his motivation.
“I have to compete even harder,” Davidsson said. “Going into camp, I have to go with the mentality of earning my spot.”
As expected, the Blue Jackets made qualifying contract offers Monday to defenseman Ryan Murray and forwards Boone Jenner and Oliver Bjorkstrand, the three restricted free agents on their NHL roster.
Last year, Josh Anderson did not attend training camp as a restricted free agent before accepting a three-year deal before the season opener.
Ohio State goaltender Sean Romeo was an invitee to camp, one of several with central Ohio ties.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of Columbus ever since I got here. Just to be able to put a jersey on and skate out here, it’s an honor.”
Romeo helped lead the Buckeyes to the Frozen Four this past season after transferring from Maine. He has one more year of eligibility at Ohio State.
“I learned a lot, even the first day,” Romeo said of development camp. “I’ve got a great goalie coach in Manny Legace. I’m just trying to learn everything I can and get the most possible out of this week — do my best, learn as much as I can and leave a good impression.”
Romeo wore his Ohio State helmet.
“Nobody said anything,” he said. “Some guys were aiming for it, though.”
Several top prospects were not on the ice Monday, including high-scoring forward Vitaly Abramov. He had wrist surgery in May but is expected to be ready for training camp in September.