Jackets lineup solidifying after big shakeup

Columbus, OH

After several trades and roster cuts, the Blue Jackets are starting to resemble a team again. With forwards Mikko Koivu, Brian Sutherby, Raffi Torres, Stacey Roest, and now youngsters Jeff Tambellini and Josh Hennessy, the coaching staff can breathe easy knowing that the roster will likely not change much for the rest of the season. The two players most excited about the future are Brad Boyes and defenseman Martin Hohener, both of whom are having solid seasons. Hohener has largely become the vocal leader on the blue line, with more youthful defense brought in, such as the Kronwall brothers and Denis Grot. The Jackets recently called up goaltender Corey Crawford, and he is expected to get some time between the pipes as incumbent goalie Dan Blackburn has struggled at times. During a recent win against the Rangers, GM Dell'Olio quipped" We would like to continue to improve defensively...as a rule, most of our development will start on defense, and our goaltending will show those results as our defense continues to improve. " This certainly means that prospects like Grot and Ryan Suter, will be given all the ice time needed to ensure their development. The club is also very high on recent draftee, Sami Lepisto, a Finnish defenseman who can carry the puck very well, and could potentially be a top 4 defenseman.