Zak MacMillan

"CBJ"

Harrisburg, PA • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

CBJ- Grading the Offense

Looking at what the majority of writers have done in the offseason, they graded their players on the teams they covered. For one, I am not a fan of this because every player tries their best to perform to an A+ performance, but nobody is perfect. It is hard to judge an individual in a team sport. This game isn't the NBA or the NFL or the MLB, where stars dominate games and headlines. With that said, I need something to write about, and this is the best thing I can come up with, so let's get into the controversial topic.

Here's how this is gong to work: I will go in ABC order by the last name of the player. Let's get started.

Josh Anderson

He played a couple games this year with Columbus, and got his first NHL goal. He performed nicely in the AHL, and I expect him to be part of the big club next year.

Grade: B


Cam Atkinson

What a breakout year he has had. After losing Ryan Johansen, he has been able to step up and replace his goal totals. He is also a speedy forward, which this team lacks extremely. He is locked up to a nice deal, and is entering the prime years of his career.

Grade: A

Oliver Bjorkstrand

The Danish kid has been extremely impressive wherever he has to played. After the deadline, he played a top nine role, and executed. In the AHL, he was essential in helping the Monsters win the Calder Cup

Grade: A-


Jared Boll

In a season where he was attempting to change his game, he was not able to change his game much. He still drew penalties, and barely produced on the score sheet. Boll's game is dying in the NHL, even though fans enjoy that type of action. It's a game changer.

Grade: D

Rene Borque

A $3 million dollar player is expected to perform, and the most impressive thing Borque did was break his coach's ribs. He is a pending unrestricted free agent, and don't expect him to sign back here next year.

Grade: D

Matt Calvert

Calvert became a Tortorella guy rather quickly. He players a hard working two hundred foot game, plays the penalty kill, scores, and stands up for his teammates.

Grade: B

Gregory Campbell

In his first year in Columbus, he has really lost a step. He struggled at center and was moved to wing. He also struggled on the penalty kill, and had less ice time this year.

Grade: C-

Michael Chaput

Being a tweener isn't easy, but he has been able to work things out in a secondary role in the NHL and a primary role in the AHL. He took over Campbell's spot late in the season.

Grade: B-

David Clarkson

A $5 million dollar player that had lots of injuries. Hard to grade him anyway else but harshly. After having a 30 goal season before, he can't stay healthy anymore.

Grade: D-

Brandon Dubinsky

Dubi is a fan favorite because of what he does on the ice. He scores, fights, and kills penalties. Being back with a former coach helps as well, and that's what happened here with the alternate captain.

Grade: B+

Nick Foligno

The captain had a tough season after having over 60 points last season. It seemed like he was trying to do everything, and it was not working out to well.

Grade: C

Markus Hannikanen

The rookie played only a couple games before shoulder surgery. In the AHL, he played a secondary role in the Calder Cup run.

Grade: C

Scott Hartnell

Scotty reached a milestone with 300 career goals, and he can still score. He still fights, but can also take bad penalties. He can be had, and he pretty much knows he is done because of his salary.

Grade: A-

Boone Jenner

Boooonneee. He is a talented kid that scores goals and leads this team. He can fight and play in any situation.

Grade: A

William Karlsson

Wild Bill was impressive during preseason, which landed him a spot as the third line center and a penalty killer. Even Tortorella was impressed by him.

Grade: B-

Sonny Milano

Sonny played a couple games to earn a sneak peak for next season. He didn't have the greatest AHL season, but the sky is the limit for him.

Grade: B

Brandon Saad

Saad was tied for the leading point scorer and was leading the team in goals. Impressive first year for the winger in Columbus.

Grade: A

Alex Wennberg

Stepped up majorly since the departure of Ryan Johansen. Played top line minutes. Had plenty of assists and played mostly with Brandon Saad this year.

Grade: A

What are your thoughts on the Jackets' forwards?

More to come…

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