3 Blue Jackets Rookies...Making the cut?
Posted 11:33 AM ET | Comments 1
This is my first attempt ever to write a blog, errors will be made and all this is my outside opinion, will not have proof for any of my statements just thoughts and point of view from a fan outside of Columbus area.
With 2013 camp opening yesterday I would like to give my insight to which rookies will survive the cut and the dream of becoming an NHL player becomes a reality.
Ryan Murray: Murray seems to be lock according to what I have read and have seen posted in the past couple of months from rookie camp, Traverse City and now heading into camp. I however will not believe it until it happens, don't get me wrong I want to see him succeed and make the club but with the new front office I don't see any reason in rushing him to play with the "BIG BOYS". After a season ending injury to his shoulder and a rehab assignment to stay in Columbus for an extended period of time maybe he is ready and will show he was worth #2 overall in 2012.
Boone Jenner: Boone is one of the more intriguing players to keep an eye on. I have seen a couple of OHL replays on NHL Network and his style of play fits in with the Jackets perfectly. A Hard working grinding center with scoring ability. Last season for the Oshawa Generals he posted G 45 A 37 P 82 and in his brief play with the AHL Falcons (Springfield) he finished with G 5 A 4 P 9 in only 13 games including playoffs. The problem here is where will you put him, with the signings of Comeau, Skille and extention of Letestu is he worth keeping up and not playing everyday like he would in the AHL. Another problem is roster spots Mackenzie and Boll are one-way contracts with Horton out until at least November a spot will remain open but is Jenner worth the spot, I believe so.
Ilari Melart: Melart is one player I don't know much about but from what I hear this Finnish "BIG MAN" is looking to make an IMPACT on the blue line and hit his way to a roster spot. He is not a prolific point scorer but can be the enforcer needed to give this club a boost with a huge hit. I don't think he will make the club out of camp but look some big hits in the future.
With 2013 camp opening yesterday I would like to give my insight to which rookies will survive the cut and the dream of becoming an NHL player becomes a reality.
Ryan Murray: Murray seems to be lock according to what I have read and have seen posted in the past couple of months from rookie camp, Traverse City and now heading into camp. I however will not believe it until it happens, don't get me wrong I want to see him succeed and make the club but with the new front office I don't see any reason in rushing him to play with the "BIG BOYS". After a season ending injury to his shoulder and a rehab assignment to stay in Columbus for an extended period of time maybe he is ready and will show he was worth #2 overall in 2012.
Boone Jenner: Boone is one of the more intriguing players to keep an eye on. I have seen a couple of OHL replays on NHL Network and his style of play fits in with the Jackets perfectly. A Hard working grinding center with scoring ability. Last season for the Oshawa Generals he posted G 45 A 37 P 82 and in his brief play with the AHL Falcons (Springfield) he finished with G 5 A 4 P 9 in only 13 games including playoffs. The problem here is where will you put him, with the signings of Comeau, Skille and extention of Letestu is he worth keeping up and not playing everyday like he would in the AHL. Another problem is roster spots Mackenzie and Boll are one-way contracts with Horton out until at least November a spot will remain open but is Jenner worth the spot, I believe so.
Ilari Melart: Melart is one player I don't know much about but from what I hear this Finnish "BIG MAN" is looking to make an IMPACT on the blue line and hit his way to a roster spot. He is not a prolific point scorer but can be the enforcer needed to give this club a boost with a huge hit. I don't think he will make the club out of camp but look some big hits in the future.
Murray is a stud !!