Much has been made of the signing of Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine's extension, but what is a reasonable expectation for their production in the season ahead? It is considered to be almost inevitable that both players will be featured on the Blue Jackets' first line. That leaves us with just one question; who will be their center?
As Ed Francis explained it could be any one of a number of centermen on the team, but the consensus is that Boone Jenner will start the season as the 1C. Whether or not Jenner stays in that spot will largely depend on how fast the young players develop. So, if we pencil in Jenner, in between Laine and Gaudreau, what could we expect from the first line?
The biggest asset Jenner would bring to that line would be an imposing physical presence and a two-way focus. Jenner is not afraid to knock an opposing player to the ice or to go crashing into the boards in pursuit of the puck. And his defense is on point more than almost any other forward in a Blue Jackets' sweater.
The harshest of their critics would say that Laine and Gaudreau are a complete liability in the defensive zone, and even if that may be an exaggeration, the fact remains that Jenner's penchant for defense would greatly benefit that line. Let's look at what Jenner could bring to the table if he does indeed play with the two stars.
Jenner was the best forward on the team in blocked shots, last year. He was also top-five in takeaways. He was second on faceoff win percentage with 53.6%. He also had a top-three finish when it came to expected goals per 60 minutes with 1.07. The Ontario native was a top-five forward for Columbus, in shooting percentage, and he set career highs in goals, assists, and points per game last season, averaging three-quarters of a point per contest.
Even though most consider Laine to be a defensive liability, to some degree or another, the two lines that featured both Laine and Jenner had fewer expected goals against than any other line on the team that had 50 or more minutes together. Oddly enough, the two-line combos with those players also had some of the worst expected goals for of any of the club's lines. The addition of Gaudreau should greatly benefit them in that area as he is considered one of the best set-up men in the game.
Goal by Boone Jenner .. assist by Patrik Laine#NYR 2 #CBJ 4 P2 pic.twitter.com/ASwr99GF0Q
— Ss 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) January 28, 2022
Gaudreau put up an extremely impressive stat line of 40-75-115 last season. Laine put up a line of 26-30-56, and Jenner had 23-21-44. Both Laine and Jenner had those points totals in less than 60 games each. They both showed a knack for finding the net with over 20 goals in less than three-quarters of a season. Those numbers should only increase when playing next to a superstar left-winger that is known for racking up assists.
While there are certainly others in contention for 1C, notably Jack Roslovic and Cole Sillinger, chances are that even if Jenner doesn't start there in the first game, he will at least get an opportunity to play on a line with Laine and Gaudreau at some point this season.
The combined offensive firepower of these three men will leave many members of the fifth line salivating at the potential for unprecedented success.
