Welcome back to the mid-week heat check, where we look at who’s heating up on the Blue Jackets and around the NHL. Let’s dive right in.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Seth Jones
It’s no surprise to see Seth Jones’ name here, as he’s arguably the best and most important player on the roster, and he hasn’t missed a step since returning from a preseason injury.
In off the skate but no kicking motion as Anthony Duclair and Seth Jones work together to put the Blue Jackets on top. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/jSm1iQGJt7
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 2, 2018
Over the last three games, he’s been fantastic, notching three assists (including a two-assist effort in Anaheim) and averaging more than 27 minutes of ice time per game. That’s a hefty total for someone fresh off a knee injury.
That point total could be even higher, too – he had a breakaway opportunity in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks and appeared to be hooked despite not getting a call.
Mark Stone - Ottawa Senators
At this point, the Senators will take just about any positive news they can get. After a handful of their players were caught on video dishing on their dissatisfaction with the coaching staff in an Uber earlier this week and a summer that included the Mike Hoffman drama and Erik Karlsson trade.
For now, though, Senators fans can at least enjoy watching Mark Stone ply his craft. The powerful winger has ten points over his last four games, including a five-point effort last night.
Similar to the Artemi Panarin situation, though, Mark Stone is set to be a free agent this offseason, and it doesn’t appear that he’ll return to Ottawa.
