3 Columbus Players Who Could Have Breakout Campaigns in 2021-2022

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a disappointing 2021 campaign. If the team hopes to have a promising bounce-back year for the 2021-2022 season, they’ll need some players to have breakout campaigns. Fortunately for them, their roster consists of some very young and hungry players. Currently, they only have three players signed who are older than 30. There will be tons of opportunities for young players and veterans to have serious roles on the team this season. With the offseason and free agency yet to come, this list is subject to change. Right now, here are three Columbus players who could have a breakout campaigns in 2021-2022.

Gustav Nyquist

Gustav Nyquist will make his return from shoulder surgery next season. Image Courtesy of Jeff Vinnick – NHLI via Getty Images.

Now, Gus Nyquist doesn’t exactly fit that role of a young player eager to make their mark, however he could still have a bounce-back year with the team. Nyquist missed all of the 2020-2021 season recovering from shoulder surgery.

Now, Nyquist was practicing towards the end of the season, however, he saw no game action since Columbus wasn’t contending for the postseason. That means that Nyquist is probably very eager to play an actual game this upcoming season.

Nyquist did finish second on the team in points with 42 during the 2019-2020 season. He played in all 70 games and tallied 15 goals and 27 assists during that campaign.

What will make Nyquist stand out a lot this upcoming season is his versatility. He could be a player that could play alongside Patrik Laine on the first line or down on the third line with some youngsters. Whether it is the first line or the third line or the fourth line, Nyquist will make an impact there next season.

Yegor Chinakhov

Yegor Chinakhov was selected in the first round by Columbus in 2020. Photo Courtesy of Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS via Getty Images/theathletic.com

The 20-year-old winger was selected in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Many questioned Jarmo Kekalainen’s decision for drafting him that high, but needless to say he will be on the team this season.

Chinakhov is coming off an excellent KHL campaign that saw him win the KHL Rookie of the Year award. The winger scored 10 goals and tallied 17 points in 32 games in the KHL regular season. He also notched seven points in 21 playoff games.

Chinakhov may be looking at bottom six minutes, however, if he shows signs of the high potential associated with a first round draft pick, Kekalainen may look like a genius in the process. Plus, Columbus will get a talented goal-scorer of the future.

Scott Harrington

Scott Harrington. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

Columbus has great depth at defense. Despite the Jones trade rumors swirling and Dean Kukan considered a favorite to be selected by Seattle, they still have seven defensemen to utilize.

Now, Michael Del Zotto, Andrew Peeke and Mikko Lehtonen are currently unsigned. More than likely Columbus will re-sign two of them if not all three. If Jones and Kukan don’t start the season as Columbus Blue Jackets players, Harrington could become a regular addition to the starting lineup.

During the 2021 season, Harrington tallied one goal and two assists in 12 games. He finished with a -3 in plus/minus rating and averaged close to two blocked shots per game. Harrington will be in his sixth season in Columbus, and he hasn’t maintained consistent playing time. On top of that, Harrington’s contract is up after this upcoming season.

When looking at the big picture, Scott Harrington could be a regular presence for the Blue Jackets defensively. He could have one of his best seasons if he can stay healthy and maintain a spot in the lineup.

Cover Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

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