In the scope of Columbus Blue Jackets history, it's fun to be in a time where we get to ask this question.
The Blue Jackets are coming off the two best seasons in franchise history – reaching 50 wins for the first time ever in the 2016-2017 campaign, and then following up with 45 wins just last year.
With all the drama and odd bounces that have occurred this summer, combined with the forward depth acquisitions, every possible take on the Jackets' season has seemed to have been used from missing the playoffs to winning the Stanley Cup (okay, maybe not that far yet).
So here we are, at the confluence of adversity and excitement. How will the club respond, bolstering the most talented roster in the history of the organization?
More specifically, will the Blue Jackets eclipse 43 wins this upcoming regular season? Let's look at the perspective of both sides, and give our prediction:
Over 43 wins
The Blue Jackets, on paper, are definitely an improved team from last season, one where they had 45 wins. The real question is, how did the Jackets go from 50 wins (two seasons ago) to 45 wins, after getting rid of Brandon Saad to add Artemi Panarin?
They lacked forward depth last season, in short. The Blue Jackets had long prided themselves on having gritty lines who could do the dirty work and play smart, but last season, they turned out to be quite top-heavy.
This is no longer the case. They have a fourth line, expectedly, of Sonny Milano, Anthony Duclair and Riley Nash, and young promising skaters like Vitaly Abramov and Kevin Stenlund that don't even have a roster spot. It seems like many organizations would love having those two on their bottom-two lines.
This is a good problem to have.
Under 43 wins
The drama and uncertainty around Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky's expiring contracts could cause a deadline trade of either or both of the team's brightest stars. If they're gone, or even just one of them, it's hard to believe even 35 wins is possible.
Bobrovsky has been the most valuable Jackets player for five seasons running, and took on more shots last season than ever before. Known for bailing the team out on many occasions, Bobrovsky would be a hefty loss to a team still looking to grow while its superstars are in their early 20s.
Panarin is a talent that just doesn't come by often. It may be a while before the club can wrangle a free agent or trade for a player of his ilk again, which may be why they're still optimistic they can convince him to stick around. We'll see.
Prediction: over 43 wins
The Blue Jackets, historically, struggle with expectations. They earned their first playoff berth in 2008-2009, and then won 32 games the following year.
In 2014, they showed promise of a bright future for the club after a dramatic underdog six-game series with Pittsburgh, and then missed the playoffs two years in a row.
And finally, after going up 2-0 against the Capitals this past year and hearing chants of a "sweep", they lost four in a row.
This demeanor will have to change, eventually, but there seems to be a hesitation from fans to put high expectations on the club this year due to the offseason drama. Dare we say this is perfect for the Blue Jackets, who boast arguably their best team to date. So, not (much) pressure, and high talent across the board.
This year could be a whole lot better than some of us are thinking.
