Don't look now, but the Blue Jackets are improving. After a 4-11-4 start, the team is 7-6-2 since Nov. 22.
One reason has been the play of Johnny Gaudreau, who is tied for the team lead with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in that span.
#CBJ Gaudreau (6) goal pic.twitter.com/gcZiF7Wxbv
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 20, 2023
The fact that he's been nearly a point-per-game player in the last month is a welcomed sign for the Blue Jackets after he scored just seven points (two goals, five assists) in his first 19 games.
Not only has Gaudreau's scoring gone up, but the team's has as well. Since Nov. 22, the club trails only Edmonton in goals/game with 3.73 after scoring 2.68 goals/game through Nov. 21, which ranked 27th in the league.
#CBJ Gaudreau (5) goal pic.twitter.com/2IPveLrwlR
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 15, 2023
With Gaudreau counting $9.75M against the salary cap, the Blue Jackets need him to produce at the level he has over the last 15 games, not the first 19.
#CBJ Fantilli (9) goal pic.twitter.com/Ggg3BKjc2U
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 20, 2023
If he can continue to be a point-per-game player for the rest of the season, there's no reason the Blue Jackets can't boast one of the league's top offenses and maybe even go on a late-season winning streak.
