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One stat that's relatively predictive of the future that doesn't get as much talk as it should is shooting percentage.

It's a simple stat, obviously, and fluctuates quite a bit from year-to-year, but generally if someone shoots lights out one year and far exceeds his career averages it's bound to regress, while if a career 8% shooter scores at a 2% clip one year he's a good bet for a bounce back season.

Here are some notes on the Blue Jackets and shooting percentages:

- Ryan Johansen scored 22 5v5 goals last season and was 6th in the NHL in goals/60 minutes (minimum 1,000 minutes) in that situation because he shot a hair less than 13%, which is a good bet to regress in 2014-15. Over the course of 1,250 minutes in two seasons prior Johansen shot 8.09%. If you factor in his entire NHL career, he's scored at a 10% clip. 8-10% is probably a better indicator of future success than the 13% rate he scored at last season, so if his 5v5 shot totals don't go up it's probably unrealistic to expect 20+ goals from him in that situation. He's a very good player, obviously, and more volume in shots could keep his totals (20 5v5 goals, 30+ overall) from regressing, but it's definitely something to watch going forward.

- Speaking of shooting percentages, Nathan Horton is a guy in line for a bounce back season. Due to injuries and moving around all throughout the lineup, Horton wasn't able to find his groove last season and scored just two full strength goals while shooting 4.5%. Historically Horton has been a bit of a sharp shooter - he averaged 12.08% in six years prior to last - so it's a safe bet to suggest his production will increase in 2014-15.

- One thing I'm really intrigued by with Columbus is to see how the defense plays out. I get the feeling the organization is pretty high on Dalton Prout, but I think with a good camp Tim Erixon may be able to unseat him for a regular spot in the lineup. The NHL seems to be moving away from defensive defensemen and towards smooth-skaters who can push the pace and drive play up ice, and I think Erixon has the potential to do that well.

Jackets posts

Sonny Milano, Blue Jackets haven't talked contract

Columbus Blue Jackets 5 vs 5 Goals Data: Forwards

Columbus Blue Jackets 5 vs 5 Goals Data: Defense

Are things about to turn ugly between Blue Jackets, Johansen?

Devils posts

On the Devils inviting Scott Gomez to camp

Waiting On Gelinas

On the NHL's best forward/defense duos

On the NHL's best forward duos

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