There aren't many areas where the the Blue Jackets will realistically improve in in the 2019-20. The power play is one of the few exceptions in which change will likely be a good thing.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have finished 28th each the past two campaigns in the category of power-play goals, registering 34 and 39 goals respectively the past two seasons while on the man advantage.
Emil Bemstrom could be just what the Jackets need to shake things up with an extra skater on the ice.
Corey Pronman of The Athletic rated Bemstrom as the top prospect for Columbus in his 2019 NHL farm system rankings. Here's some of what he had to say about 20-year-old right winger:
He's very dangerous inside the offensive zone due to his high-end vision and bullet shot. He can set up on the flank and pick apart defenses, and did so versus men consistently.
Praise for Bemstrom has also come internally from general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
"He's as good of a power-play player as you can get," Kekalainen said, referring to Bemstrom. "We were looking for a guy on the power play this year who can shoot the puck like he can."
After looking at the top goal scorers on the man advantage for the Jackets the past two years; Bemstrom being a major contributor might not be much of a stretch after all.
| 2018-19 Regular Season | PPG |
|---|---|
| Cam Atkinson | 8 |
| Artemi Panarin | 6 |
| Anthony Duclair | 4 |
| 2017-18 Regular Season | PPG |
|---|---|
| Artemi Panarin | 7 |
| Seth Jones | 7 |
| Pierre-Luc Dubois | 6 |
It's back to the drawing board for a power play that's been cringeworthy at times, especially considering making the postseason has become the new norm. John Tortorella would be wise to consider all options who could turn things around, with Bemstrom as a serious contender in the mix.
