With news that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mikko Koivu was retiring, it doesn't put the Blue Jackets in a horrible spot. It does, however, put the Blue Jackets in a position to look at their bottom-six forwards and determine what's working and what isn't.
Despite some wins on the board for the team (they're a mediocre 6-5-3), they have struggled mightily at times–especially defensively. This team has shown that it has issues abound, with head coach John Tortorella calling them "disjointed" in all facets.
So, how exactly should they proceed?
What's working
Off the jump, there are players that need to be seeing more ice and frankly could be seeing it higher in the lineup, as well.
The first two players that come to mind are Eric Robinson and Kevin Stenlund. Both have done well for themselves in the early going in putting up points. Stenlund has only played in three games but regardless, he is at a point-per-game pace so far. Similarly, Robinson has six points in 14 games and has a positive possession number. For a team that has not done well with the shot share, a player doing that well can't be overlooked.
On top of that, you have to also enjoy what Mikhail Grigorenko brings to the lineup on a nightly basis. His possession isn't that great, but when given the opportunity, he is putting up points and that's pretty much what they need.
Players like Riley Nash have also provided steadiness in a spot where they may not otherwise get it. His possession metrics aren't great, but his penalty-killing work and what he does on the face-off dot are going to keep him in the lineup.
What isn't working
Two promising young guns are among the biggest disappointments early on in the season.
Expectations for both Emil Bemstrom and Liam Foudy were high and they haven't even approached meeting them. Foudy has three points in 12 games played and Bemstrom has posted a goose egg in the five games he's appeared in.
Foudy has been a black hole at times possession-wise and Bemstrom, while his numbers there are strong, has been a complete non-factor offensively. The Blue Jackets aren't hoping for these two guys to be minute-fillers; they need scoring from them. So far, it's not happening.
Other players such as Stefan Matteau and Nathan Gerbe are options. Matteau is on the taxi squad and Gerbe is in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters; Gerbe has already played two games with the Blue Jackets this season with little impact, putting up one assist.
Players like Boone Jenner are going to drop down and see time in the bottom six and given John Tortorella's lineup blender, the likes of Alexandre Texier have seen time down there too.
If and when the Blue Jackets solidify a lineup that works, the bottom six is going to have a big role. They have take advantage of their depth if they want to have a successful season. The fact that only a couple of players have genuinely stood out while some are revolving through should be a matter of concern.
As Tortorella rolls lines in the weeks ahead, pay attention to who is getting more ice and who is becoming a lineup mainstay. Their contributions are going to be needed for the stretch run.
