I haven’t been following the pre-season too closely with all the Josh Anderson, Matt Duchene stuff going on, but with the Jackets just finishing up a 3-in-3 over the weekend, I thought it would be a good time to check in on how things have been going.
The big surprise of the pre-season has been the play of Zac Dalpe. He played very well in the Jackets game against St. Louis scoring two goals. He’s been impressive in the other games and has found himself in a good position to make the team. He’s been skating with the first group at practice, which is the one with all the veterans/regulars. Dalpe can play centre which gives a big advantage here. The Jackets depth at centre has been questioned and with Brandon Dubinsky and Boone Jenner battling some injuries right now, having someone who can play down the middle is a big help.
It also helps that Dalpe is under contract. The Jackets signed him to a two-year deal for $725,000 per this offseason, per Cap Friendly. They clearly like him and look ready to give him a shot at the NHL level. Dalpe has always had strong AHL numbers, he has 189 points in 270 games in his career, including 14 points in 20 games with Cleveland last year. The problem is he hasn’t been able to translate that into the NHL. He’s never really had a long look in the NHL. Just once in his career has he played more than 25 games, and that was back in 2013-14 for the Canucks when he played 55. The Head Coach of that team, John Tortorella.
Speaking of centres and centre depth, one player everyone thought would play centre, has been playing on the wing and has been very good. Pierre-Luc Dubois worked all season and off-season improving at centre and started the pre-season there. He was moved to the wing in the third pre-season game against the Penguins and scored two goals. He has played every subsequent game on the wing. Dubois should still make the team to start the season but looks like he’s going to be starting as a winger.
Two goal games seem to be a theme for the Jackets. In their pre-season opener it was Seth Jones scoring twice, showing very little rust. Provided he stays healthy Jones should easily replicate his 42 points from last season. If he improves even a little bit or gets a couple lucky bounces here and there he could be looking at a 50 point season. Zach Werenski could be in for a 50 point season as well, he has a goal and an assist so far and seems to have found some chemistry with Artemi Panarin.
Zach Werenski had 21 all situations shot contributions, mostly on the powerplay. He and Panarin fed each other one-timers all night. 2/? pic.twitter.com/7nR1TxdEBa
— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) September 20, 2017
Panarin has yet to score in the pre-season but he’s been bring the offense. In two games he has seven shots and a 68.75% Corsi. He’s been driving play and been setting his teammates up, with two assists. The goals will come soon enough.
The Jackets have three pre-season games left, including one tonight against the Blues. After the game expect plenty of cuts.
Torts says some cuts will come tomorrow after practice, and then another group after game vs STL. Down to one skating group Wed #CBJ
— Alison (@AlisonL) September 25, 2017
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