After Success in the AHL, Kevin Stenlund and Marko Dano Have Earned Another Shot with the Blue Jackets

By Jacob Nitzberg on December 16, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Jan 18, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Kevin Stenlund (11) against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Nationwide Arena.
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
0 Comments

The Blue Jackets have been looking everywhere for offensive production.

After injuries to Sonny Milano and Josh Anderson in Saturday's game against the Senators, they'll turn to Kevin Stenlund and Marko Dano for help. 

Stenlund has notched six goals and 10 assists in 27 games for the Cleveland Monsters, and he just had a 10-game point streak snapped on Saturday night. At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he brings a physical yet skillful presence to the ice. 

He's played four games with the Blue Jackets but has yet to register a point. According to head coach John Tortorella, Stenlund will see some time on the power play tonight. 

Here's a taste of what Stenlund brings to the table: 

Dano will suit up in a Blue Jackets jersey in Nationwide Arena during the regular season for the first time in 1,709 days. The Blue Jackets drafted him in the first round — 27th overall — in 2013. He registered eight goals and 13 assists in 35 games in his rookie season for Columbus. After the 2014-15 season, he was part of a trade that saw the Blue Jackets acquire Brandon Saad from Chicago. 

Dano then bounced around, playing for the Blackhawks, Jets, and Avalanche. He signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Blue Jackets this offseason. 

In the AHL, Dano's played well. He has three goals and nine assists in 25 games, highlighted by a six-game point streak (2G, 5A). 

Here's a nifty backhand finish from him:

And who could forget this play from 2015, when he dangles beautifully past a Hurricanes defender and finds Scott Hartnell for a tap-in?

Although the reason for these roster moves is unfortunate, perhaps a personnel shakeup will give the stumbling Blue Jackets a much-needed jolt.

0 Comments

Three Thoughts On The First Two Days Of The Stanley Cup Playoffs, From The Columbus Blue Jackets Perspective

New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller and Washington Capitals left wing Beck Malenstyn battle for control of the puck in game one of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs

In A Similar Spot Today Versus A Year Ago, Will Next Year Be Different For Blue Jackets?

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) celebrates with left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) after scoring a goal against the Arizona Coyotes in the first period at Mullett Arena.