This is a post of the top 10 Jackets prospects that I think have the best chance to see playing time on the big squad next season.
10. G - David LeNeveu
WHY? LeNeveu is questionable as a prospect at age 27 but as a goaltender I'll cut him some slack and include him. The chances of anyone listed at #10 on this list cracking the Jackets roster are slim but in the wild and wacky world of NHL injuries -- crazier things have happend (remember the shutout win against Washington from Dan LaCosta in 08-09?). For that reason alone I give him an outside shot.
9. F - Maksim Mayorov
WHY? It seems like Mayorov has been in the Columbus system for a while now but the truth of the matter is he's just 21. Still it certainly seems like a key year in his development after what most would have to characterize as a disappointing effort in Syracuse last season where he tallied 17g, 15a for 32p in 74g. Assuming Mayorov stays in North America and doesn't head back home for the KHL, Mayorov needs to make a bigger impact at the AHL level to re-solidify his place in the CBJ prospect pipeline. The kid has the raw skill to work his way back up this list -- the question is does he have the desire to maximize it?
8. F - Chad Kolarik
WHY? I think Derek MacKenzie is the first center recalled but I wouldn't consider him a prospect any longer which is why he's not included on this list. Kolarik can play wing or center. He got a 2 game look last year after he came over for Alexandre Picard from the Coyotes. Kolarik has been a consistent scorer at the AHL level but at 24 he'll need to make his move soon. If he has a good camp and continues to play well in the 'A' he could force the Jackets hand. He'll be on the short list - especially if things get even thinner up the middle.
7. F - Tomas Kana
WHY? Didn't look out of place in his 6 game call-up at the tail end of last season and collected two helpers. Like Kolarik, he can also play wing or center. If injuries strike the bottom 6 I don't think it's out of the question he'll get another look provided he performs well on the farm.. What's really interesting about him is he got kind of lost in the trade of Pascal Pelletier to the Blues for Brendan Bell and Kana. He is the only player remaining from that deal on either side.
6. D - John Moore
WHY? I personally hope this kid doesn't sniff the NHL next season but there is no denying his offensive talent. There is also no denying the lack thereof on the Jackets blueline as it stands today. Moore had a helluva training camp last season and if he turns in something similar then he'll certainly be on the short list of callups. He's also added some weight to his frame. He does need to work on his defensive game like all young defensemen need to do. He notched a very respectable 10g, 37a for 47p in 61g for Kitchener of the OHL. I'd like to see him bake in the AHL for the season but I suspect he'll get at least a drink of water at the highest level at some point this year. Remember this coaching staff has already voiced their desire to activate defenseman in the rush - well you need to be able to skate to play that way and Moore can skate like the wind. I'd like to see the cautious approach taken with this player.
5. F - Matt Calvert
WHY? Matt Calvert's stock in on the rise. In fact its rising so much that it wouldn't shock me if he's the #1 prospect right now in the Blue Jackets organization. And why not? This player notched 47g, 52a for 99p in 68 games in the rough and tumble WHL. Who cares if he was a 5th round pick? The fact of the matter is this kid's play has dictated his rise on the Jackets depth chart to perhaps the #1 slot -- if not, #1 then certainly the top 3. He's gone from a projected 3rd to 4th line energy player to a potential scoring line forward. His impact could be felt as early as next season and not only do I expect him to see some time at the NHL level, if he plays like he did at last year's camp - he could find himself making the team.
4. D - Grant Clitsome
WHY? Clitsome is the ultimate underdog who was drafted in the 9th round in the 2004 draft. He took the long road to the NHL spending 4 seasons of NCAA hockey for Clarkson but it seems to have paid off. In his 2nd year of pro Clitsome notched 5g, 15a for 20p for Syracuse in 64 games. In his 11 games with Columbus he tallied 1g, 2a for 3p with an even +/-. While not having much for wheels Clitsome makes up in hockey sense, solid positional play and mistake free hockey. When the injuries to the dmen inevitably start to pile up, look for Clistome to get the call. He should play a key role for Springfield this season to continue his development.
3. G - Gustaf Wesslau
WHY? Pretty easy one here - he's next on the depth chart after Mason and Garon. He may not get a start but I can almost guarantee you he gets called up one or twice due to injuries. Interesting thing about him is he's only signed to a 1 year 2-way deal.
2. F - Mike Blunden
WHY? The Jackets have a wide open hole on the 4th line for a center and Blunden is a guy I can see being highly considered for this role. He's got size at 6'4" and some toughness but not much of a scoring touch (only 4 points in 40 games last year). He will have to get resigned and compete against Andrew Murray but with some solid NHL experience under his belt from last season I would be shocked if he doesn't see some playing time on the big squad next season (if he's not dealt). He could potentially make the team out of camp as well. It will be interesting to see how the new coaching staff responds to Blunden's skill set.
1. F - Nikita Filatov
WHY? Let's face it, if Filatov isn't traded this kid will be on the Jackets roster in some capacity. Quite frankly if the Jackets hope to get anywhere this season they are going to need some goal scoring from him to help out the 20th ranked offense in the league last season. He'll also get a fresh start under new coaching staff -- it will be very interesting to see if he takes advantage of it.
FIRE AWAY - thoughts on this list? What is your list?
-LTL
