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In August not much is going on, so all there is to do is look over what happened last season, or try and predict what will happen in the future.

I'm going to do the latter, and make five Blue Jackets predictions for the 2014-15 campaign.

1. The Blue Jackets will finish 2nd in the Metro

I don't think they'll be able to unseat the Penguins if Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain healthy, but I think Columbus could be the 2nd best team in the division. They have a healthy Nathan Horton, upgraded on the wing with Scott Hartnell, and added depth in Brian Gibbons and Jerry D'Amigo. On top of all that, their young core of Sergei Bobrovsky, Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner and Ryan Murray should all continue to trend upwards, which should make Columbus even better this year.

2. Alex Wennberg will establish himself

I don't know if he will make the team out of camp - I'm not sure there's a spot he could take where he'd get enough ice - but I think he'll be a regular by the end of the season. In my estimation he's NHL ready, or very close to it, and he could help the Blue Jackets. He's a smart, reliable two-way forward who can skate and play in any situation, and I think he'll be one of the first forwards recalled should there be any injuries. If and when he's given a shot, I think he'll force his way onto the team and won't look back.

3. Ryan Murray will produce a lot more offense

In 66 games with Columbus last season Murray showed flashes offensively - he was able to contribute to the tune of 21 points - but I think he'll take a big step forward this year. Murray now has a year in the NHL under his belt and will be much more comfortable and confident in his abilities. He should see some more ice and continue to improve, so if he can stay healthy and play in 80+ games I think 30-35 points is a reasonable expectation.

4. Jared Boll will be bumped as a regular

Columbus seems pretty high on Boll and they just gave him a three-year extension, but I can't see him holding a spot as a regular in 2014-15. I don't think Columbus will throw him to the wolves and waive him, but I don't think he sees close to 82 games even if he's healthy.

Boll actually has a good penalty differential - he draws more than he takes - but he doesn't produce any offense, and his possession numbers leave a lot to be desired.

Columbus seems pretty high on Boll and they just gave him a three-year extension

With speedy wingers like D'Amigo and Gibbons who can play anywhere in the lineup, help out on the penalty kill, and drive possession, I think Todd Richards will realize he has better options on the 4th line.

5. Tim Erixon will establish himself as a regular

Erixon finally has the one-way contract he's been looking for, and I think he'll make the most of it. In today's NHL puck-moving defenseman who can skate out of trouble and help drive play up ice are extremely important, and Erixon has that skill set. If Erixon can handle himself defensively and contribute offensively to the level he's capable of, I think they'll make room for him in the lineup as a regular.

Jackets posts

Three million apart

Who should be captain?

Sonny Milano ripped it up at U.S. WJ evaluation camp

Early Metro Division predictions

On Metro Division goaltenders

Devils posts

I accepted the ALS bucket challenge

Is Reid Boucher ready for the NHL?

On the NHL's best offensive penalty killers

On Travis Zajac, Jaromir Jagr and the NHL's best duos

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