James Wisniewski, Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin, Ryan Murray and David Savard will be regulars on defense this season. We know that.
The question that remains is who will be the 6th defenseman to round out that group?
The three candidates for that spot as of now: Cody Goloubef, Dalton Prout and Tim Erixon.
With the most NHL experience of the group and a one-way deal to his name, Prout entered camp as the favorite for that spot. Based on what we've seen in preseason, I'm not so sure he'll hold that when Columbus opens their season.
Puck moving defensemen who can push the pace and help drive play up ice are the way of the NHL right now, and for my money Erixon is the best of the group at doing so.
He's also better defensively than he's given credit for and, after several years of seasoning in the AHL, he looks ready.
His preseason numbers to date back that up, too.
The sample size isn't very big, obviously, but Erixon has fared quite well in possession during his two contests, while Goloubef and Prout have been crushed in their outings.
Columbus seems high on Prout and Goloubef, and each of the three fighting for spots would need to clear waivers in order to be sent down, so a trade isn't out of the realm of possibility.
If the Blue Jackets are smart, though, it won't be Erixon on the move if they decide to go that route.
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