After the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 2009, the Blue Jackets took a step backwards this season, finishing 14th in the Western Conference, and failing to even come close to challenging for a playoff spot. Struggles at both ends of the ice were compounded by what is hopefully nothing more than a sophomore slump in Steve Mason’s career, and led to the firing of veteran head coach Ken Hitchcock.
Offense: D- The Blue Jackets had one of the lowest offensive outputs in the entire league, finishing with just two goals more than the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs. Rick Nash is a great player, capable of changing the face of a game any time he’s on the ice, but he needs some help. Youngsters Jakub Voracek and Derick Brassard have showed promise, and if they can develop into the top line forwards the Jackets are hoping they are, things should be better in the future.
Defense: D-
This is perhaps the area Columbus needs to improve on the most. Mike Commodore took a bit of step back this year, finishing with only 11 points and a -9 rating in 57 games, but Anton Stralman looks like he could develop into a very capable offensive defenseman over the next few seasons. The fact that Kris Russell was the only Columbus defenseman with a positive rating is evidence of just how much work needs to be done on the Columbus blueline before this team wil be successful in the long term.
Goaltending: D- Steve Mason struggled in his sophomore season after carrying Columbus to the playoffs with a stellar rookie year. With only 20 wins and a GAA above 3, Mason will certainly be looking to bounce back next year. Backup Mathieu Garon was hit or miss in the appearances he made, and has proven in a number of different environments that he’s not the star-quality goalie that a franchise can build around. Mason is the future in net, and Columbus has to hope he will return to form next year.
Special Teams: C- Some of the only areas the Blue Jackets weren’t at the bottom of the league in was their special teams. Their powerplay was just about on par with the league average, as they scored 56 goals in 308 opportunities, led by Rick Nash’s 10 powerplay goals and Anton Stralman’s 22 points with the man advantage.The Penalty kill wasn’t terrible, as Columbus killed up over 81% of their own penalties, but if they hope to compete with the league’s elite, they’ll need to be better.