Mateychuk played against Montreal, Monday. No goals, no assists, but he played quite a few minutes, moved the puck nicely and may have been the best defensive player in the game. Yes, he was sent back to Cleveland the next morning, but that cannot be seen negatively. Under Jarmo, being sent to Cleveland usually was a demotion, but there's a new sheriff in town and Waddell does things right.
Monday, Mateychuk got his feet wet. Expect to see him return periodically for three or four games the rest of this season. Just as Waddell and Evason are bringing Jet Greaves up for a few games, here and there, as part of his development, they are doing the same thing with Mateychuk.
We can expect to see some changes in the defensemen group between now and September's training camp. Room will have to be made for Mateychuk and, maybe, another of the eager kids in Cleveland.
Jack Johnson absolutely will not be a Blue Jacket when summer comes. Whether or not he retires, there's just no need for him to stay, even as a cheap 7th D.
Werenski is a fixture in Columbus and my pick for the next team captain. So, nothing to discuss here.
Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov are the Jackets' bubble guys. Both are playing some of the best hockey of their careers. Both have improved dramatically in the defensive side of their game. And both are in the final year of their contract. Will Fabbro be grateful to Waddell for giving him the chance to prove himself enough to agree to a hometown discount type of contract, or sign a short term (3-4 years) contract? Will Provorov be willing to take less salary to stay in Columbus? Or will either one, or both decide to cash in while they have a chance? Both could be traded at the deadline, if they intend to cash in.
Damon Severson.... I have to wonder just what the Hell Jarmo was thinking in giving him an 8 year contract. As a 2nd pair guy, he doesn't hurt the team much. He can move the puck and has some offense to his game, but his defense is weak. New Jersey was glad to be rid of him and ecstatic to get something in return. Rumor has it they were going to let him walk. Their defense has actually improved since he left. I wish the Jackets would find someone to take him off their hands, even for the infamous future considerations. But I fear we're stuck with him until buying him out makes sense.
That leaves Christiansen and Harris. Classic third pairing guys, though Harris did put in time on Montreal's 2nd pair from time to time, last year. The thing is, though neither does anything to hurt the team, neither of them does anything to stand out, either. If Waddell were to add one, or both, as sweeteners in trades, Ceulemans and Svozil could step up from Cleveland and do just as well.
Having said all that, my way too early prediction for next year's blueline corps is:
1st pair: Werenski - Fabbro
2nd pair: Mateychuk - Severson
3rd pair: Ceulemans - Christiansen
7th D: Harris
Am I crazy?
