Speculation: Armchair GM - Offseason Thread (Summer Edition)

[stevo61]

It seems like we're understating the possibility that Fantilli takes over as #1C early in the year, or maybe plays as #1C from start to finish. I have some issues with his game but he's an amazing goal scorer who can skate and battle at both ends, he's the perfect complement for Johnny Gaudreau and it might be better for both of them to just figure it out together. Or maybe he's not quite ready for that. But it surprises me that we don't talk much about the possibility that we've already got the #1C figured out.

I saw some comparisons with Beniers. Beniers is a super agile skater and very reliable with few turnovers. He's an easier projection. I think Fantilli though has the higher upside and could pop soon especially with the help of a guy like Gaudreau to handle most of the zone entries.

Alternatively, KJ also seems like a good complement with Fantilli and you could have them together on a secondary scoring line that draws easier matchups.

KJ - Fantilli - Marchenko?

KJ - Fantilli - Laine might be more likely, also perhaps KJ - Fantilli - Roslovic. Babs wants a right-handed guy who can take faceoffs on each line and play some center. Laine might make that a great line. I want Laine with Gaudreau though. Marchenko with Gaudreau was a very low scoring unit.

Some might be. I want Johnson-Jenner-Laine Gaudreau-Fantilli-Roslovic/Marchenko. Id prefer Johnson get a center spot but I doubt Babcock does it so this is my next best option. I just struggle with who I like on the RW of Gaudreau-Fantilli. Roslovic has some offensive qualities that could work well there but that combo of wingers puts a lot of stress on Fantilli defensively

 

[majormajor]

What is your prediction for his point total in a healthy season? How about his WAR?

I don’t see how he distinguishes himself from guys like Foudy (speed) Oliver (toughness) or Voronkov (size/scoring?). Unfortunately I see a 5’09” 30 year old fourth line player, coming off an injury, who hasn’t had a season where he can stay healthy in the NHL. During his 2021/22 season he had one of the worst scoring rates and exG % for forwards on the team, behind guys like Bemstrom, Meyer, and Guance. Obviously last year was a lost season for him, but I think Foudy for instance showed glimpses of something “more.”

My expectations are very low. I think he’s an NHL fourth liner, but I’m not seeing much more than that. TBH, whoever plays 4RW isn’t a big deal one way or the other. I hope they don’t play much anyway…

I don't like making point predictions for guys that are going to be playing more limited minutes. But hypothetically if he was on a scoring line, I think Danforth scores a lot more than Liam Foudy does. I think he scores more than Foudy on any line. More skilled player, very sturdy on his skates. Plays really hard.

FWIW this is probably my favorite goal from last year:



The xG% from 2021-22 was one of the best on the team actually, I think you were talking about the goal percentage, which admittedly wasn't great, but I think he's a better player than that showed.

 

[majormajor]

Some might be. I want Johnson-Jenner-Laine Gaudreau-Fantilli-Roslovic/Marchenko. Id prefer Johnson get a center spot but I doubt Babcock does it so this is my next best option. I just struggle with who I like on the RW of Gaudreau-Fantilli. Roslovic has some offensive qualities that could work well there but that combo of wingers puts a lot of stress on Fantilli defensively

Realistically Johnson isn't going to be a full fledged center for years, coaches aren't going to put a kid at center with faceoffs that bad. But I like the Johnson- Jenner idea because they might split the center role to some extent. Jenner on the draws, and Johnson can run transition.

Roslovic has his airhead moments defensively but his overall numbers in that dept aren't terrible. As an experienced center he would probably spot for Fantilli just fine. Roslovic's overhandling is the bigger issue why I'm not sure if he complements our best forwards. But looking at the numbers Gaudreau did okay with him, much better than with Marchenko. Maybe Babs can get Roslovic to finally simplify his game. Gaudreau's best results were with Laine so that's still where I start.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

 

[CBJWerenski8]

 

[ThirdPeriodTurtle]

Conveniently there's a new article up on Danforth on BlueJackets.com. Features that highlight goal above, which was nice indeed.

I look forward to more Kevin and Dylan in the coming season.

 

[CBJx614]

It seems like we're understating the possibility that Fantilli takes over as #1C early in the year, or maybe plays as #1C from start to finish. I have some issues with his game but he's an amazing goal scorer who can skate and battle at both ends, he's the perfect complement for Johnny Gaudreau and it might be better for both of them to just figure it out together. Or maybe he's not quite ready for that. But it surprises me that we don't talk much about the possibility that we've already got the #1C figured out.

I saw some comparisons with Beniers. Beniers is a super agile skater and very reliable with few turnovers. He's an easier projection. I think Fantilli though has the higher upside and could pop soon especially with the help of a guy like Gaudreau to handle most of the zone entries.

Alternatively, KJ also seems like a good complement with Fantilli and you could have them together on a secondary scoring line that draws easier matchups.

KJ - Fantilli - Marchenko?

KJ - Fantilli - Laine might be more likely, also perhaps KJ - Fantilli - Roslovic. Babs wants a right-handed guy who can take faceoffs on each line and play some center. Laine might make that a great line. I want Laine with Gaudreau though. Marchenko with Gaudreau was a very low scoring unit.

That's kinda what I was thinking earlier this off-season. Roll out Gaudreau - Jenner - Laine and then stick KJ next to Fantilli and see if they click. They could complement each other really well. They both have the speed and KJ will find ways to get the puck to Fantilli (and vice versa)

 

[VT]

Realistically Johnson isn't going to be a full fledged center for years, coaches aren't going to put a kid at center with faceoffs that bad. But I like the Johnson- Jenner idea because they might split the center role to some extent. Jenner on the draws, and Johnson can run transition.

Roslovic has his airhead moments defensively but his overall numbers in that dept aren't terrible. As an experienced center he would probably spot for Fantilli just fine. Roslovic's overhandling is the bigger issue why I'm not sure if he complements our best forwards. But looking at the numbers Gaudreau did okay with him, much better than with Marchenko. Maybe Babs can get Roslovic to finally simplify his game. Gaudreau's best results were with Laine so that's still where I start.

If Gaudreau is such a superstar, let him improve his partners and not Laine, who is playing great without him.

If Roslovic is going to play in the top 6 - Houston, we have a problem. With the players we have, Jack is a bottom 6 player, if not a serious trade candidate.

Which star made this lineup? NHL Line Combinations - Columbus Blue Jackets

 

[ThirdPeriodTurtle]

On the other hand, playing Roslovic in the top-6 now and then trading him at the TDL or next offseason would probably get us a better return if he puts up good points. It doesn't seem like we are able to get much if anything for Roslovic right now in the current market.

3.5D chess.

 

[VT]

On the other hand, playing Roslovic in the top-6 now and then trading him at the TDL or next offseason would probably get us a better return if he puts up good points. It doesn't seem like we are able to get much if anything for Roslovic right now in the current market.

3.5D chess.

So we're going to destroy a line just to make Roslovic 's price higher to let a better player in the 3rd line? I understand Jenner, Boone has to play less, otherwise again, max 70 games at best and then out for the rest of the season. But he's not himself.

I would like to fight for the PO and not Celebrini. And with Roslovic as the center of the top 6 we will fight for him.

 

[JacketsDavid]

So we're going to destroy a line just to make Roslovic 's price higher to let a better player in the 3rd line? I understand Jenner, Boone has to play less, otherwise again, max 70 games at best and then out for the rest of the season. But he's not himself.

I would like to fight for the PO and not Celebrini. And with Roslovic as the center of the top 6 we will fight for him.

Rare that a rookie is ready to play top 6 immediately, especially for a defensive minded coach like Babs. Hopefully he gets there soon.
There is no line to "destroy". Not like Johnson-Fantilli and Laine has the rest of the league running scared.

 

[VT]

Rare that a rookie is ready to play top 6 immediately, especially for a defensive minded coach like Babs. Hopefully he gets there soon.
There is no line to "destroy". Not like Johnson-Fantilli and Laine has the rest of the league running scared.

That's why from Roslovic as the TOP 6 center, the rest of the league is shaking.

 

[CBJx614]

That's why from Roslovic as the TOP 6 center, the rest of the league is shaking.

If Roslovic is playing in the top 6, it's because he proved he's capable to Babs. I'm not saying this is going to happen but in this hypothetical situation him playing in the top 6 means he beat out like 3 others for that spot, or were banged up enough that he's the only one left.

 

[JacketsDavid]

That's why from Roslovic as the TOP 6 center, the rest of the league is shaking.

Babs is more likely to play a veteran I'm assuming, until the rookie shows he can play on both ends of the ice.
I agree in general - I'm not a fan or Roslovic but unfortunately he may be our best option on 10/12/23.

 

[VT]

If Roslovic is our best option, then our level is top 3 worst teams in the league. Jack can't defend, play without the puck, around the boards, has mediocre hockey sense, likewise his shot. I doubt we can count on him to play under pressure. And this is supposed to be our 2nd center?

 

[JacketsDavid]

If Roslovic is our best option, then our level is top 3 worst teams in the league.

Our record said we were the 2nd worst team last year so that sounds about right.

 

[VT]

Our record said we were the 2nd worst team last year so that sounds about right.

With a center like Roslovic, who is totally dependent on his partners, in the top 6 I don't expect anything good. But if origin (a Columbus boy) is the main criteria, it's a different story.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

I have to say realistically - I have no faith in the goaltending. If Elvis produces awesome but I am prepared for injuries, excuses and fair to middling play by our goaltenders. I really hope I am wrong but this is a big gamble going into this season without some insurance.

I'm prepared for this from every position but that's because I'm a day 1 CBJ fan.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Yeah that Dom guy is a real idiot.
He says the CBJ will suck each year and well look at our record...

Well, last year he claimed Werenski was a one of the worst contracts in the league according to him. He misses most of the season with a shoulder injury and now his contract is no longer one of the worst?

 

[MAHJ71]

I'm prepared for this from every position but that's because I'm a day 1 CBJ fan.

For real though.. it’s Friday.. have some faith and

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

View attachment 733578


For real though.. it’s Friday.. have some faith and

I'd rather expect disappointment and be surprised than expect good things and be disappointed after the amount of bad seasons we've sat through.

 

[Marioesque]

I want Boqvist to pair with Werenski behind 1st line, and QB the 1st PP.

 

[squashmaple]

I want Boqvist to pair with Werenski behind 1st line, and QB the 1st PP.

Okay, but who plays defense with those two as a pairing? The forwards?

 

[Marioesque]

Okay, but who plays defense with those two as a pairing? The forwards?

I would avoid playing them with 3rd and 4th line, and expect the 1st and 2nd to play with the puck (attacking) far more than without (defending).

The job is to outscore the opponent.

 

[VT]

I want Boqvist to pair with Werenski behind 1st line, and QB the 1st PP.

I don't know who will pla in the 2nd but Werenski will always play in the 1th PP because Werenski, the star etc.

Okay, but who plays defense with those two as a pairing? The forwards?

Werenski has a high salary so let him defend.