COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Having holes in the lineup and positions to fill one week before the opening game on Oct. 9, would normally fill a coach with a bit of anxiety. Not so with Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards.
The depth of the organization gives him confidence in knowing that he has guys that he can "plug-and-play" into the lineup. This list includes many of the players that have already been reassigned.
"I've thought that they've done a good job, too," said Richards. "I would have no hesitation if any of those guys got recalled. We had a competitive camp, a good camp. I think a lot of players have come in and done a really good job. They've left the coaches and the management with positive (impressions)."
One of the things that Richards likes is the depth down the center. With Ryan Johansen still unsigned and Boone Jenner out with a broken hand, the door has been opened for Alex Wennberg to put his stamp on an open roster spot.
Wednesday night against Carolina, he's skating on the second line with Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert. This makes for a fast, skilled line that can be very dangerous.
"For sure," said Atkinson. "He's the type of center that slows down the game for us. He's got such great vision, with a great mindset and skill set that he'll find you, even if he's not looking at you. He makes great passes right on your tape. And, he's been getting better and better each and every day."
Wennberg is 1-1-2 (-1) through three games of the preseason. Wednesday night's game is a time for him to plant his foot and make a lasting impression on the coaches. Playing between Atkinson and Calvert should give him ample opportunities to show his skill.
"Both of them are great skaters," said the young Swede. "They have good energy and we'd like to score some goals. I'm looking forward to finding good chemistry together with them."
As for making his mark with the open roster spots, Wennberg said, "Every game of the preseason is important. You always want to show your best and be a good player. Tonight is a great chance to play with two great players (Atkinson/Calvert). For me, it's a great opportunity to bring my best game."
More looks for prospects
In addition to Alex Wennberg in Wednesday night's lineup, Simon Hjalmarsson, Michael Chaput and Marko Dano will suit up for Columbus. Other than the split squad game in Carolina, Chaput has played in every preseason game to this point.
"Our depth will get tested," said Todd Richards. "I've been impressed with our young guys, Chaput in particular. We've had other guys that have done a really good job in training camp. I think it gives everyone confidence. But, the tests will continue to get harder."
Richards said to not draw any conclusions about the opening night roster based on who's in and who's out for this game. Although, with the way that Chaput has played, it would be a surprise to not see him play on Oct. 9 vs. Buffalo.
"It wasn't by design," Richards said, "but I think based on [how] he's played, it's one of those things that you want to keep giving him opportunities. Some is that you're assessing, but some of it is also giving him penalty kill reps. Is he a guy that can go out and do that?"
Injury update
There's no definitive word on how long Boone Jenner (broken hand) will be out of the lineup. Ryan Murray (knee) has been practicing, although it's still unclear whether he'll start the season.
"I'm not worried about him not playing in an exhibition game and then saying that he hasn't played a game," said Richards. "There's going to come a point where we're just going to have to throw him in (the lineup). And I'm completely confident with that because of how he played last year."
Blue Jackets lineup vs. Hurricanes
Based on the way they skated Wednesday morning, here are the projected line combinations for tonight's tilt.
Forwards:
Hartnell/Anisimov/Dano
Atkinson/Wennberg/Calvert
Hjalmarsson/Letestu/Foligno
Tropp/Chaput/Boll
Defense:
Johnson/Savard
Tyutin/Prout
Wisniewski/Erixon
Goalies:
Bobrovsky (expected to go the full 60 minutes) and McElhinney
Where's Johansen?
As reported, talks have resumed between the Blue Jackets and Ryan Johansen's agent. While this is a good sign, there's no word yet on where the two sides stand in relation to getting a contract signed real soon. And so, #JoeyWatch is in Day 14...
