The Blue Jackets are going to be playing a lot of youngsters during this final part of the season, that is mostly in part to see what they have but this is also going to be an instance in which other players are playing for contracts.
One player, in particular, Michael Del Zotto has been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jackets. They haven't asked the world of him and they have gotten a decent output from his position.
Here are three reasons why the Blue Jackets should reconsider
Warm Body
This is going to sound flippant. But in the case of Del Zotto, he is a player that could not be more low maintenance. You can place him in different places in the lineup and he is able to fulfill the role well. Looking at the Blue Jackets pipeline of defensemen that they have, outside of Andrew Peeke, there isn't a prospect in there that is going to wow you with his ability.
They need a stopgap in the process and you can do worse than Del Zotto who has done everything the Blue Jackets have needed.
Experience
In years past the Blue Jackets have had people like Ian Cole and Fedor Tyutin who have been around the block in the past to talk about what is to be expected in certain situations. Del Zotto has played for plenty of teams and has been put in plenty of different situations along the way.
He isn't the dynamic presence like Seth Jones and Zach Werenski but it should be noted that on the bottom pair as other players try to make the lineup that Del Zotto is a swiss army knife with his fit.
Satisfaction
This isn't really saying a lot but in regard to points for the Blue Jackets, Del Zotto is third on the team with 11 points this year. He is contributing and is a positive impact when he is on the ice. He is a positive in Corsi relative and is playing an even amount in the offensive and defensive zone.
He has only played two other seasons more in the defensive zone. He is going what is needed and is a contributor to a unit that needs to up its skill sooner than later. To bridge that gap, Del Zotto should be considered for an extension.
