Metro Team Attempting To Bring Former First-Round Pick Back to The NHL
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been trying to reset their roster and get back to the playoffs. They drafted Adam Fantilli during the 2023 NHL Draft and signed Damon Severson. Now they are trying to bring a former First Round Pick back into the fold.
Columbus Needs To Add Depth Up Front
The Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to build their roster back up to compete again. Last year Columbus struggled mightily to score at a high rate. They only had one player above 70 points and two above 50.
This has led to them searching for more help at their forward positions. They have good young prospects but need veterans to help the young players develop. A bounce-back year from players like Jack Roslovic and Boone Jenner is needed. The Jackets could also use some help from outside to shore up their lack of scoring. One former Blue Jacket might be a potential candidate to help improve their scoring depth.
Matteau To Columbus
Former First Round Pick Stefan Matteau has signed a PTO (Professional Try Out) with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Matteau spent last season playing in Germany in the DEL. His last appearance in the NHL came in 2021-22 when he played one game with the Colorado Avalanche. Before this, Matteau spent two seasons with the Blue Jackets where he played 27 total NHL games.
While Matteau is likely just a training camp and preseason invite he could potentially earn a contract with a strong performance. The 29-year-old center is likely on one of his last opportunities to break back into the NHL. If the Blue Jackets feel they have a need for a depth scorer Matteau could fit the mold. However, they could just as likely go with a younger guy and deal with the growing pains and mistakes in favor of potential upside.
Matteau's preseason stint with the Blue Jackets will be worth keeping an eye on. If he impresses a contract could be waiting at the end.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 79 ANSWERS Metro Team Attempting To Bring Former First-Round Pick Back to The NHL Will Stefan Matteau make the Columbus Blue Jackets? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 46.8 % |
| No | 42 | 53.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Kyle Connor | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Alex Tuch | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Owen Power | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Michael Bunting | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Drew Helleson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jirí Kulich | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Isac Lundestrom | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Vladislav Namestnikov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Nino Niederreiter | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Gabriel Vilardi | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jason Zucker | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Leo Carlsson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Nikolaj Ehlers | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ross Johnston | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Evgeni Malkin | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Morrissey | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Cole Perfetti | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Bryan Rust | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Mark Scheifele | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Trevor Zegras | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 20 | 17 | 3 | - | 34 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||