Columbus Blue Jackets 2014-15 Season Preview

Mar 25, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) looks to pass against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus beat Detroit 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

3 BIG QUESTIONS

1.  Is this Ryan Murray‘s jump year?  The Blue Jackets took the defenseman 2nd overall in 2012, and after missing most of the next season with an injury he had a decent rookie season for the Blue Jackets.  With Nikitin gone and not really replaced, Murray will be counted on to produce like a veteran.

2.  Will the rift with Ryan Johansen affect the team? – The youngster was the Blue Jacket’s best skater last season, and now he wants to be paid that way and has spurned the offers of a bridge deal and is looking for the home run contract now.  If it turns into a lengthy holdout both sides will be impacted.

3.  Can the Blue Jackets make consecutive post-season appearances? – A full season of Nathan Horton, a healthy and primed Murray and continued stellar play from Sergei Bobrovsky should keep them in the mix.