In today's NHL having four lines filled with legitimate NHL players is more important than ever, but the Blue Jackets seem hesitant to adapt to the new way.
While teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs have long carried an enforcer on their roster - sometimes two - they are electing to go with more speed and skill on their 4th line than grit.
The Flyers assigned Jay Rosehill and Zack Stortini to Lehigh Valley. Toronto waived Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren. The list goes on.
In the old NHL they were recognized as useful players, but having a quality 4th line that can ease the burden off team's stars is a competitive edge the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks, among others, are enjoying.
Columbus isn't ready to go that route, though, as Jared Boll remains on their roster and is expected to play opening night.
The team elected to keep Boll rather than Jerry D'Amigo, who adds speed to the bottom-6 and can kill penalties, as well as Brian Gibbons, who is on IR but seems destined for Springfield.
I can respect Jarmo Kekalainen's loyalty to his players, but I think someone like D'Amigo is more deserving of playing on a nightly basis.
Recent posts