COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased to released an update on their rerate projections for the summer of 2016.
Left Wing:
- Alexander Steen figures to be the team's top LW sniper yet again next season
- Ondrej Palat is off to a slow start after suffering an injury earlier this year
- Rickard Rakell and Joonas Donskoi are both exceeding expectations
- With a good finish to the season, Shane Prince could find himself in the mix for a spot with the big club
- Nick Ritchie is almost a point-per-game player in the AHL but that has not yet translated to the NHL
- Prospect Artur Boltanov is clearly too good for Russia's MHL
Centre:
- Bryan Little and Frans Nielsen are locked in the #1 and #2 spots
- Teuvo Teravainen could earn himself a roster spot provided his DF allows it
- Nic Dowd and Austin Czarnik are both having great AHL seasons but are unlikely to obtain NHL rerates
Right Wing:
- Nikita Kucherov is clearly the Jackets' best offensive weapon at this point
- Alex Tanguay looks to be servicable next season should the Jackets decide to loyalty him
- Jayce Hawryluk, Connor Brown and Colin White are all solid prospects for future years
Defense:
- Kevin Klein has seen a significant production drop-off since last year
- T.J. Brodie is a legitimate stud and will be a top pairing defenseman for many years
- Andrej Sustr and Kris Russell are exceeding expectations
- Connor Murphy, Damon Severson and Evgeny Medvedev will round out the backend next season
- Prospect Andrew Nielsen (Jackets 4th round pick in 2015) is showing signs of being a diamond in the rough
Goalies:
- Jaroslav Halak is putting up good numbers and will remain the starter for the forseeable future
- Darcy Kuemper will be a reliable backup yet again
- Linus Soderstrom was excellent at the WJC and continues to be great for his club team