The Columbus Blue Jackets are the definition of the walking wounded. Here is the short list of guys who should be playing but are down with an injury:

Brandon Dubinsky - Out before the season began
Ryan Murray - Second stint on the IR
Markus Nutivaara - Last skated against VGK on Nov 5
Josh Anderson - Out since Dec 14 v. OTT
Emil Bemstrom - Injured Dec 7 v. FLA
Andrew Peeke - Left DET game on Dec 17 and was placed on IR
Sonny Milano - Out since a head-to-board hit against ARI
Cam Atkinson - Left last night's game and didn't return

That is 7 regulars + Peeke who was called up (and played quite well) to replace Murray in the line up. It is yet to be seen what the Atkinson injury is, but it kept him out of a contested game, so I'm not sure we will see him on Saturday.

These injuries (including Zach Werenski who just came back) have not kept the CBJ from streaking, and this time in a good way. Last night's OT victory over LAK was their 3rd win in a row and points in their last 6 (4-0-2). And while LA may not be having a great season they came in (and leave continuing that streak) on a 5-game point streak (4-0-1) as well. Within this streak, I remind you, the Jackets have two 3-goal victories over the top team in the league to boot.

Coming up next for the Jackets are the New Jersey Devils. They just traded Taylor Hall and have won 2 in a row. They skate tonight at home v. WSH then face the CBJ as the second half of a back-to-back.

More Reason to Dislike the 2019 Trade Deadline Moves

It has been widely publicized that Jarmo went 'All In' at last year's trade deadline. And it paid early dividends as the Jackets squeaked into the playoffs. Then they set the NHL aflame when they swept the President Trophy winning and record tying TBL. Alas, the Jackets succumb to the Bruins in a hard fought 6-game series.

I want to go on record as saying I agreed with those moves. The idea of lowly Columbus making moves to stay in the race and try to swing with the big boys was something we hadn't seen before.

Jarmo gave up high draft picks and seemingly bankrupted the future to win one playoff series. Most casual CBJ fans don't know that Anthony Duclair, who the Jackets had on a team-friendly RFA contract, was included in the swap for Dzingel. Dzingel scored 12 points in 21 regular season games and one point in 9 playoff games. Duclair had come to the Jackets in the 2018 off season and played 53 points scoring only 19 points. He had been in the dog house with Torts several times and was skating 3rd and 4th line minutes each night. But in the final 21 games with OTT he had 14 points. And this season he has blossomed with 20 goals and 8 assists in 36 games. He sees above 15 minutes of ice time (if not significantly more) each game. Given the opportunity he has proven his worth, making those trade deadline moves even more painful. His cap his is less than $2M and with all the injuries would have certainly been asked to play more meaningful minutes with the CBJ this season.

Hindsight is 20/20 and it is easy to say that these moves look like desperation. Many of you out there called it that these trades would yield regret and little else. And sitting here on a cold December day in Columbus these regrets have come true. It was but a few months ago (and many degrees warmer) when there was rejoicing in the street of Columbus because the Jackets were finally winners (at least for a short time). Time will tell if those moves were all worth it. If the CBJ had gone the other way and sent Bob and Bread away for 1st rounders, what then? Certainly there would have been no playoffs, or at least no surprise 1st round victory over the TBL. But would the Jackets have landed Caufield, Soderstrom, Suzuki or any number of other 1st rounders? Quick note, the CBJ pick traded to the Sens netted them Lassi Thomson. Don't feel bad, I don't know who he is either, but the point is that the prospect pipeline needs to be continually filled or you will end up with long stretches where your team struggles. We may see that sooner than later.

But for now, the CBJ are winning with the guys on the ice.

Good Luck and Go Jackets

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