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Columbus Blue Jackets projected lineup: Updated depth chart after James van Riemsdyk signing
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed veteran winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year deal worth $900K, NHL.com reported on Sunday.
Van Riemsdyk provides leadership and depth scoring, both vital for the Columbus Blue Jackets following the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau last month. He will try to make up for the lost scoring while helping mold younger players like Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Cole Sillinger.
Last season, Riemsdyk played with the Boston Bruins after signing a one-year deal. He scored 11 goals and 27 assists, totaling 38 points, predominantly in a bottom-six role. This season, van Riemsdyk should fill a similar depth role.
However, the question lies in where van Riemsdyk could specifically play.
Overall, the Blue Jackets’ top six seem set. The addition of Sean Monahan gives the Columbus Blue Jackets a solid top-six center. So, expect Monahan to center the top line. Meanwhile, Adam Fantilli looks to anchor the second line.
That leaves the top-line wing spots for captain Boone Jenner on the left side and rising star Kirill Marchenko on the right. On the second line, Kent Johnson figures to play on the left side with Yegor Chinakhov on the right.
Thus, the likeliest spot for van Riemsdyk could be the third line alongside Cole Sillinger and Dmitri Voronkov. Here’s a look at how the lines could shape up:
Jenner-Monahan-Marchenko
Johnson-Fantilli-Chinakhov
Van Riemsdyk-Sillinger-Voronkov
Danforth-Kuraly-Olivier
It’s unlikely to see van Riemsdyk on the fourth line, though it might be a possibility. Van Riemsdyk’s offensive upside is still too good for him to become a fourth-line grinder.
Columbus Blue Jackets' blue line looks set heading into training camp
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter training camp with a solid blue line. According to Daily Faceoff, anchoring the top pairing is Zach Werenski. His partner, Damon Severson, had a good season last year. Overall, the pair looks like it should have another productive season.
Similarly, the Blue Jackets’ second pairing is expected to be Ivan Provorov and David Jiricek. Both players had solid seasons last year. The club hopes that both players can take the next step toward this season.
Lastly, the bottom pairing has newcomer Jordan Harris and veteran Erik Gudbranson. Fans could expect a battle for spots on that bottom pairing, especially if Harris fails to impress at training camp. 37-year-old Jack Johnson or Jake Christiansen could push Harris for a spot on the bottom pairing.
The likeliest outcome would be Harris and Gudbranson playing on the bottom pair. Here’s a look at the Columbus Blue Jackets defense pairings:
Werenski-Severson
Provorov-Jiricek
Harris-Gudbranson
Lastly, Johnson could get the nod for the seventh defenseman slot. His experience should come in handy in case of injury or merely needing to give regulars a break.
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