Columbus, OH -- One week from tonight, the boys in Union Blue will open their 2014-15 campaign in Buffalo against the Sabres. And still, what the opening night roster will look like is a mystery.
There were many questions surrounding the team last year, as they were the youngest club in the league. They're not much older this time around, but a new set of questions have popped up.
The ongoing contract saga of budding-star Ryan Johansen has yet to be resolved. Nathan Horton (back) has yet to practice this season. Second-year defenseman Ryan Murray has yet to participate in contact drills. And just yesterday, the team confirmed that Boone Jenner had surgery to repair his broken hand and will miss approximately five weeks.
One week until the season-opener and Columbus has some tough decisions to make. Which of the young guns that has impressed in camp will get the nod? With the depth they have, can they start the season on an even-keel, not repeating the rollercoaster that was the beginning of last year?
Yes, indeed the prospects and "bubble" players have stepped up over the last two weeks, leading the Eastern Conference in wins and points. But remember, this is preseason. The points don't count, but making a lasting impression does.
Along with that lasting impression are the veterans on the roster, whether it's a few years experience, or many. Guys like center Mark Letestu know what it means to be a Blue Jacket. From being the youngest team last year to potentially starting the season with a few players that have no NHL experience, there isn't any cause for concern within the room.
"I still think there's another level of experience to get to", said Letestu. "We've only been in the first round and haven't won a playoff series, yet. As far as the rookies, we're always here for them. There's something to learn every day. And, hopefully, they take that opportunity to learn every day."
With the potential holes that need filled in the roster, head coach Todd Richards said last night that he would be content to start the season with the roster he has. The same question was asked of Letestu.
"At some point," Letestu said, "that may be the roster on the ice with injuries and suspensions (happening). We're starting to play as a group. The young guys are playing real hard, pushing from the bottom, which is what you need. If he's (Richards) comfortable with it, I'm comfortable with it."
"We've done more with less, sometimes", he said. "We've got some really talented kids here this year. They're going to make us better."
They've overcome setbacks in the past, and the beginning of this season is shaping up to be no exception. "If we could avoid the adversity, we'd like to", Letestu concluded. "We'd love to have everybody healthy, under contract and everybody play to their potential every night. The culture around this team, our identity, that's what drives us."
Richards expanded on his thoughts of starting the season with the group he has right now, waxing almost philosophical about the young guys on the cusp of beginning their NHL careers.
"I look at it as it's a great chance to really take these guys and have impacts in their careers. There's that youthful enthusiasm and the energy that young guys bring. I think that trickles in through the veterans when they see the young guys that show up every day. It's a good mix to have. I've looked at it as a great thing, I truly have."
One Week To Go ...
Head coach Todd Richards ran an up-tempo, physical practice today. With the opening game of the new season one week from today, Richards is doing his best to get his team ready.
"I wanted it to be competitive," said Richards of the practice, "I wanted us to work. That's really our identity."
Even the management of the team noticed the increased pace of the practice today. "Jarmo (Kekalainen), Bill Zito (AGM) and even the other coaches really liked the practice", said Richards. "Other people like the process. They liked the way the guys battled and skated today."
Maintenance Day
There were a few players not on the ice with the group. Defensemen Fedor Tyutin and Ryan Murray plus forward Brian Gibbons were taking maintenance days. "They were all just off for precautionary things, just management", said Richards.
Nathan Horton (back) is still out. Boone Jenner (hand) is out for approximately five weeks. No word on when Ryan Murray (knee) can begin contact drills. The contract talks are happening between the club and Ryan Johansen, although no deal has been signed yet. With seven days until opening night, #JoeyWatch is in Day 15...
