NHL division previews: 2017-18 Metropolitan Division

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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 24: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) turns around in the first period of a Preseason game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators on September 24, 2017, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2nd in 2017-18 Metropolitan Division – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets were the surprise of the season in 2016-17, and even though they’re set for a bit of regression, it’s not significant enough to see them drop out of the top three in the Metro. Expect them to make the playoffs back-to-back for the first time in franchise history in 2017-18.

While their forwards surely don’t pop out as big names, they have plenty of players who can contribute throughout the four lines. Alex Wennberg is arguably a true number one center, but he’ll never be an elite goal scorer, opting to create for his teammates. This is something newly-acquired Artemi Panarin will appreciate.

They have other contributors like the speedy Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno and Boone Jenner in their top six that play their roles, and play them well. Their bottom six looks strong too, with Oliver Bjorkstrand, Lukas Sedlak and Matt Calvert all bringing something different to the table. And this is without mentioning former third overall pick Pierre-Luc Dubois, someone who looks ready to slot in as the possible third line center.

The defense is a strong point for Columbus, and their top pairing could be an elite one for years to come in the league. The pairing of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski could arguably have yielded two All-Stars last season, and Werenski made his case for the Calder Trophy as well.

David Savard, who is strong in almost every way you can look at him, will be alongside Jack Johnson for the second pairing. Johnson, formerly a possession anchor, has found a bit of comfort next to Savard. The third pairing will be a mixture of Markus Nutivaara, Ryan Murray and Gabriel Carlsson. The question is this: can Murray finally realize his potential and lead the way on the third pairing?

In between the pipes, the Jackets have two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky. If he can avoid the injury issues that plagued him two seasons ago, and periodically throughout his career, he will be a top three candidate for the Vezina again this season.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois struggled in the QMJHL before being traded last season. Judging off how he’s performed in training camp and the preseason, and the fact that he has survived the cuts so far, he looks set to make the jump to the NHL. It will be a great story to see him have success on the third line with wingers like Bjorkstrand and possibly someone like Markus Hannikainen, Sonny Milano, or even Josh Anderson (if his contract situation is ever sorted).