Johnny Gaudreau is quietly having a good season for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau has given Columbus Blue Jackets fans a reason to tune in during this long season for the team. Gaudreau has been as advertised for the Blue Jackets organization and is one of the team leaders. His numbers on a losing team are impressive, 62- points (leads the team,) 45- assists (leads the team,) 17 goals (tied for third on the team.) Gaudreau is on a bit of a heater in his last eight points (two- goals and six assists) in his last four games.

Johnny Gaudreau is unphased with whoever is on the top line with him, be it Patrik Laine, Kirill Marchenko, or Kent Johnson (he has played with all three this season). Also, no matter who is at center on the top line, Gaudreau’s production has been consistent throughout this rough campaign for the Blue Jackets.

Tuesday night, in an OT win against the San Jose Sharks, Gaudreau had a five point night with two goals and three assists. It was Gaudreau’s third career game with five points. Coming off his best offensive season last year, the question was what would Gaudreau do on a new team, and could he possibly replicate some of those numbers?

The answer, Johnny Gaudreau has been nearly a point-per-game player and is on pace for 76 points. If he hits the 70 points mark, it would make the fifth time he has achieved that mark in his career. Gaudreau has been a constant for a Blue Jackets team that has seen lines shuffled throughout the season.

With an injury-plagued season, it is hard to see. But the Blue Jackets could see one of the biggest turnarounds next season. No, really. With a fully healthy roster and young players such as Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson showing they belong and can and are producing, this should give some optimism heading both into the offseason and what lies ahead for the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets have the third best prospect pool and one that is littered with defensive standouts. The team would like to go out and sign some veterans this offseason in order to take the next step in the organization’s retooling.

With Johnny Gaudreau showing both there is no sign of wearing down and that it simply does not matter who his linemates are and a healthy roster, it is not out of the question the Blue Jackets could take a significant step towards being relevant again very soon.

Home Stretch – Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

he Boys are back for Episode 56 but are missing a duck as Connor could not make it. Jake and Kevin strap in as they take a look at the Bruin's recent struggles before diving into the Salt of the East where injuries have realigned the Metro. A quick expansion team talk before they head out West to see which teams are staying strong down the stretch and which ones are coming up short.DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook will be LIVE – soon – right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code insidetherink! Soon you’ll be able to bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use once mobile sports betting hits Massachusetts. That’s code insidetherink only at DraftKings Sportsbook.  If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call (800) 327-5050 or visit (https://helplinema.org/) to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/ma.

1. Home Stretch 38:16
2. Kevy Cooks 45:22
3. Trade Deadline Eve 01:01:56
4. Donny Deals Strikes Again 44:18
5. Trade Winds are Swirling 50:50