The 2024 season has not been very successful so far for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but some shining moments may foreshadow what is in store for the next few years. Some of those moments have included players making a difference on and off the ice. Despite the challenges they have faced, the veteran players on the team have stepped up to be leaders for newer players. Some may have gotten off to a slow start but recently seem to be heating up.
Boone Jenner
Captain Boone Jenner has looked great as one of the veteran leaders. He’s a player who always plays with grit and fierce determination on the ice. Off the ice, Jenner is someone who seems sensible and balanced. This has been demonstrated many times this year, as there has been no shortage of dramatic events. Boone Jenner has had to help navigate a team through a last-minute coaching change, a GM change, and more, all while dealing with his own issues, like breaking his jaw.
Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau is another NHL veteran who has recently started to find his stride with the Blue Jackets and currently leads the team in points. As I mentioned in a previous article, there have been a lot of new faces and line combinations this season that could affect the team’s cohesion, especially team members who may be in their first or second year with the team, like Gaudreau. December had been a great month for his point production, with an average of 1 point per game, but February is shaping up to be his best so far, with a current average of 1.42 points per game.
Zach Werenski
Following behind Gaudreau in points is two-time All-Star Zach Werenski. Werenski is a veteran in his 8th season with the Blue Jackets, and although he missed most of last year with injury, he seems back to his old self. While scoring goals may not be his main focus, he is great at supporting defensively and does well at finding openings to get assists. Always seeming to be calm, cool, and collected, Werenski leads by example on and off the ice.
Erik Gudbranson
Another NHL veteran in his second season with the Blue Jackets is Erik Gudbranson. While he may not have the points that Werenski has, his presence is felt on the ice. Gudbranson is currently leading the team in blocked shots with 121 and may continue to lead until the end of the season, as the next closest player is Ivan Provorov with 105. At 6’5″ and 222lbs, Gudbranson has shown he can be a physical force on the ice and will defend his teammates when needed. It was little wonder why he was selected as an alternate captain this year.
The Future of the Blue Jackets
Even with the ongoing challenges for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2024 season, a change in pace seems to be starting. While the beginning of the season may have been slower, recent months suggest a potential upswing. In the upcoming years, there is optimism that some younger players will become full-fledged stars, and this veteran leadership may play a crucial role in shaping the Columbus Blue Jacket’s future success.
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