Despite losses, defense still boasts depth
When the NHL trade deadline came around last season, the Blue Jackets became one of the most experienced defensive teams in the league.
Not only did they hold on to Jack Johnson instead of honoring his trade request, but they also added two-time Stanley Cup champion Ian Cole. But come July 1, those two veterans left as free agents.
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen knew that Johnson was going to leave — he signed a fiveyear deal with Pittsburgh — but was hoping to hold on to Cole, who signed for three years with Colorado. Even so, Kekalainen thought the Jackets had enough on their roster and didn’t add a defenseman.
“We are taking steps in the right direction; we’re still learning,” said Seth Jones, a two-time All-Star selection who will begin the season on the injured list after knee surgery.
“We had experienced guys who left, but what we’re going to do doesn’t change. We’re younger now on the back end, but we have guys who can lead a D corps who know how to prepare for a game. We will be fine. We’re all mobile, can all skate and make plays. None of us are scared to jump into the play.” Defenseman Markus Nutivaara figures to see increased playing time this season.
Although the top two is set with Jones and Zach Werenski — who played much of last season with an injured shoulder — the rest of its defense might be a mix-and-match situation.
Last season, Dean Kukan made quite an impression. The 25-yearold played in eight games during the 2015-16 season but spent all of
the following season in Cleveland. When he was called up in January, Kukan sat for a bit but ended up coming in for Scott Harrington later that month and played in 11 games, getting a two-year contract in the process.
Kukan, who was an American Hockey League All-Star last season and was knocked out of the lineup
because of a shoulder injury, could be paired with veteran David Savard.
The Blue Jackets also got strong play from Markus Nutivaara last season, and coach John Tortorella went with him in the postseason instead of Johnson. He could find time in a pairing with Ryan Murray.
Harrington will factor into the mix. With Jones injured and Murray only recently getting back to skating, Gabriel Carlsson and Adam Clendening probably will get looks, too.
“Guys are going to have to step up, and we know they can,” Jones said. “They have the confidence to come in and not be afraid to play. They know they can do the job. No one plays well when you’re gripping the stick too hard. I know I believe in them, and now it’s their turn to take it.”