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Thoughts on Blue Jackets Media Day: David Clarkson and Training Camp

September 23, 2016, 12:35 PM ET [4 Comments]
Paul Berthelot
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Blue Jackets had their media day Wednesday to kick off the start of training camp. President of Hockey Operations John Davidson was there and revealed some very interesting information.

The biggest news of the day was the health status of David Clarkson. JD revealed that Clarkson failed his physical and will not be at training camp. Clarkson is still dealing with the back injury that caused him to miss the majority of last season. JD said that Clarkson had a very tough summer, Clarkson couldn’t train and workout like wanted to, as his back was giving him so many problems. We don’t know if this is a long term thing just yet, but Clarkson is going to continue to rehab and try and get back. If this does end up as a long-term issue, Clarkson’s contract is insured.




To hear all of JD’s comments on Clarkson you can view the video linked in the above tweet.

On a personal level this isn’t good. You never want to see a player injured and especially not a lengthy one like this.

If this injury is a long-term one, the Jackets could put Clarkson on the long-term injury reserve. Since the team is so close to the cap that would allow them to go over the cap, should they need the space. If the Jackets are somehow in the playoff race by the deadline they could take on a large salary and still be under the cap.

For the team this injury opens up a forward spot and basically ensures Oliver Bjorkstrand is going to make the opening night roster. If Clarkson was healthy he would have been on the fourth line alongside Gregory Campbell and one of William Karlsson or Matt Calvert. Those two would also be competing with Bjorkstrand for the available spot on the third line alongside Sam Gagner and possibly a Scott Hartnell or Nick Foligno. Now you can play both Karlsson and Calvert on the fourth line and have Bjorkstrand on the third line. You could then have another young player like a Josh Anderson, be the 13th forward and rotate in on that fourth line.

Those young players were another hot topic during media day. Players like Bjorkstrand and Anderson are fresh off of winning the Calder Cup they are ready to take the step and compete in the NHL. Nick Foligno talked about how he's excited for those young players and expects a competitive camp.




Sonny Milano and Zach Werenski are two names to add to those mentioned above. They will both be given long looks at camp and both will challenge for NHL jobs. Werenski has an NHL spot already in my opinion but he’s pushing to start the season in the top four as opposed to the bottom pair. Milano is in a tougher spot as the Jackets are bringing back basically their entire forward group from last season. Add in free agent signing Sam Gagner and this is going to be a tough group to crack. I think Milano starts the season in Cleveland, but will be one of the first players called upon if an injury strikes.

Training Camp has already begun for the Jackets. They have invited 65 players to camp including seven players on PTO’s.







I’m curious how long the players on PTO’s last at camp. The Blue Jackets will be getting back five players from the World Cup very soon, I have a feeling a few of these players won’t last the weekend.

The Jackets have also invited a few players they invited to Traverse City, notably forwards Francis Beauvillier, and Darby Llewellyn, defencemen Stephen Gibson, and Frank Hora, and goalies Jeremy Brodeur and Lucas Peressini. It will be interesting to follow how long these players last in camp and if any will be signed to contracts.

The pre-season starts this Sunday with the Blue Jackets taking on the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena. Hockey is almost back!

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot
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