If the Blue Jackets are going to make the playoffs for the third straight year, they will require consistency from all players. With an offseason looming that could mean losing Bobrovski and Panerin the Jackets need to find depth they can rely on instead of depending on two players who may not be around for much longer.
Columbus has been a young team over the past 3 years and it is that youth that will have to become the backbone for this team as the season goes on. Players like Pierre Luc-Debois will need to step up and fill the hole left by Panerin. Oliver Bjorkstrand and Markus Nutivaara will need to produce at both ends of the ice and create more scoring options in the rush.
Hockey is won with depth. Four lines need to be able to keep the puck out of the net and put it there when needed. Without
Whether or not the Blue Jackets make the playoffs this year will be an indicator of the stability and balance that will need to be present now and in the future.