The Blue Jackets have added some defensive depth by signing NCAA free agent Doyle Somerby.

#CBJ have signed D Doyle Somerby to a two-year entry contract.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 21, 2017

Somerby has spent the past four seasons playing for Boston University, serving as their captain this past year. He was a fifth round pick by the Islanders in 2012.
Somerby is a typical Blue Jackets defencemen. He’s big standing 6’5, and is regarded for his skating and decision making.

#CBJ AGM Bill Zito says size, skating and ability to make right play were main factors in deciding to sign Doyle Somerby.

— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) August 22, 2017

The problem with Somerby, like most Blue Jacket defencemen in the organization is he doesn’t appear to have the puck moving ability to be a professional defencemen. Somerby put up three points in 39 games as a senior last season, his lowest total of his four year career. His other three seasons he had 13, seven and four points. This is not a player known for his offensive abilities. He has played on some stacked BU teams so teammates have not been a problem for Somerby.

He blocks a ton of shots, having been among the team leaders each of his four seasons. Some of that comes with the nature of the position, and being used on the penalty kill, but a lot of it has to do with not having possession of the puck. On top of that he takes very few shots, again because he doesn’t have the puck very much and/or is deferring to his more skilled teammates. Either way it’s not a good sign. Players that go on to have success at the professional level should be dominating as amateurs, and Somerby has not done that. Seniors in particular should be among the best players in the league, and Somerby was not.

This has become a trend with the Jackets. Look at the defencemen drafted, and the ones already in the system, they all fit this same mould. They are big, they can skate but they have issues moving the puck. There is nothing wrong with big defencemen who can move, look at the defencemen on the NHL roster, they are all big and can skate. The difference however is they all competent at moving the puck, and were elite puck movers prior to the NHL.

Somerby will play in Cleveland next season and will provide that team with depth should injuries strike or players get recalled to Columbus.

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot

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