So, we're 24 games into the 2021-22 season and what do we know about the "new look", re-whatever Jackets? Pretty much what we expected before the season. The only consistent thing about this team is inconsistency.
No surprise, with Elvis ensconced as the undisputed #1 goalie, the tending is elite. Elvis' stats would be much better if he had a veteran blue line in front of him. He's kept the Jackets in games they should have been blown out of and won games the Jackets should have lost. What is unexpected is Korpi seeming to have forgotten how to be a goalie. Still, if it's a choice between crappy Korpi or developing Tarasov as Elvis' back up, I'll take Korpi because Tarasov's development is better served starting the bulk of games in Cleveland than riding the bench for most games in Columbus.
The blue line is holding no surprises. Zack has stepped up his game and is putting the league on notice that he is a true #1D, potential Norris candidate in the near future and a younger, better defenseman than a certain former teammate. Gavvy is a solid, steady presence on the second pairing. While Bean, Boqvist and Peeke are experiencing the growing pains expected of young guys still learning how to be a d-man in the NHL.
The forwards are a mixed bag. Boone is just killing, all praise to the captain. Both Laine and Domi are producing as they'd been expected to when they were traded for, when they're healthy. Kuraly, Bjorkstrand, Gus, and Robinson are about what we expect of them. Jake has been having a nice bounce back season. As has Tex. Danforth, Hofmann, Rosolovic and Sillinger have struggled with consistency, but are worthy of staying on the roster as they learn, develop and adapt. To me, the big question is Chinakov. While incredibly talented and a much more complete player than we'd been lead to expect, he's also playing on North American ice for the first time, is younger than fellow European imports Hofmann and Danforth, and his disappeared from the score sheet. Maybe, when Laine returns from injury, he would benefit from some time in Cleveland.
The other truth about this season's Blue Jackets is that, win or lose, they play an entertaining brand of hockey, making them fun to watch while the young guys figure out how to be productive NHL players.