Blankenburg
Krug, too, was an undrafted free agent from Michigan, except his standout collegiate career was spent at Michigan State.
He's a left-handed shooter, not a righty like Blankenburg, but the similarities are undeniable. Blankenburg has a long way to go to match Krug's 409 points on 78 goals and 331 assists over 11 seasons, but it's possible the Blue Jackets have struck gold if the comparison pans out.
After starting out as Jake Bean's partner on the third pairing, Blankenburg earned his promotion by showcasing several skills that impressed the Jackets' coaching staff. He's confident with the puck, plays with a snarl similar to Krug and isn't afraid to put his body in harm's way.
He blocks shots, absorbs contact and dishes out his own hits, which Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans was reminded of during Blankenburg's first NHL shift.
“That seems to be part of his game a little bit,” Larsen said after watching Blankenburg flatten Evans in the Jackets' 5-1 win over the Canadiens on April 13. “He almost decapitated the first guy he hit there. So, it's a good sign. You like to see that from those young guys.”
Blankenburg recorded his first NHL point against the Canadiens with a secondary assist and has made some highlevel plays on defensive-zone exits that turned some heads.
“There was one play in the second period (against the Kings) when he was below the goal line three times and he makes the right play every single time coming up the middle of the ice,” Larsen said. “Those are plays that defensemen in this league that play four or five years don't try to make. … He really impressed me.” bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger