As the 1st Ohio Battery staff tries to forecast the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup for this season, there are always unforeseen circumstances that take place during training camp. 

A player tweaks a groin or a prospect gets cut earlier than expected. It is why professional tryout contracts (PTO) are important during that period of time. Last season, the Blue Jackets brought in Jarett Stoll, Patrick Dwyer and Mike Brown to compete for jobs. None of them stuck around, but they were given ample opportunities during the preseason.

The Blue Jackets' current iteration of their bottom-six leaves a lot to be desired. They are hoping that rookies and veterans step up to fill roles, but a player on a PTO may be able to help if the team is unsatisfied with how things are shaking out.

These three players are worth considering on a PTO for the Blue Jackets:

Center - Daniel Winnik

Lost in the shuffle last season while playing with the Washington Capitals, Winnik was able to put up a career-high in goals by scoring 12 goals in 72 games. He did this despite his average time on ice being the lowest it has been in five years. 

Winnik could serve as a serviceable bottom-six center while pitching in on offense. His shot differential numbers aren't great at 49.6% CF but they stayed near his career average, a good sign that he is consistent with his play. 

Given that he started 60% of his shifts in the defensive zone in 2016-17, he could also be a defensive specialist if the Blue Jackets are looking for that type of player.

Right Wing - P.A. Parenteau

Parenteau bounces around the NHL more than a beachball at a Nickelback concert. Regardless of where he ends up, he always seems to perform well. 

Last season, Parenteau began with the New Jersey Devils before being traded to the Nashville Predators at the trade deadline. In 67 games, he put up 28 points on a one-year, $1.25 million dollar contract. 

He has been a pillar of consistency, putting up more than 20 points in every full season he has played in since 2010-11. He also is a positive when it comes to shot differential, he has always been above 50% CF since entering the league. You can do much worse in your bottom-six.

Right Wing - Alex Chiasson

One of the key parts of the Jason Spezza trade to Dallas a few years back, Chiasson has always had a lot of hype surrounding his play. At 6-foot-4, he is a hulking player that makes general managers drool. The full skillset never came together, but nonetheless, he has a niche he can fill.

Playing in a bottom-six role with the Calgary Flames, Chiasson wasn't used much; he only averaged 13 minutes a night but he scored at a good clip (12 goals and 12 assists). Chiasson is relatively young (26 years old) and could play a similar role to Scott Hartnell for a fraction of the age/price. A PTO is certainly in his future.