2006 Columbus Blue Jackets Preview

2006 Columbus Blue Jackets Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season opening up, now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey Season Preview

The Blue Jackets look to start 21 players who were picked in the draft between 2001 and 2006 with five of those being in the top-10. Nineteen year-old Derick Brassard, this year’s sixth overall pick, is the youngest. The center can fly down the ice, handling the puck with mastery and then quickly transition to defense. Brassard represents both the present and future of this franchise.

Leading the charge is veteran center Sergei Fedorov (12 G, 32 A, 44 Pts in 67 games). Tampa Bay winger Fredrik Modin (31 G, 23 A, 54 Pts) gives the team more scoring, while winger Rick Nash (31 G, 23 A, 54 Pts) came into his own last season, becoming a point threat. Nikolai Zherdev (27 G, 27 A, 54 Pts), on right wing, has also developed into a sound player.

Good news-- Adam Foote (6 G, 16 A, 22 Pts), who suffered a groin injury last season, has recovered. He’s a solid team leader and will be a great anchor for the young guys. Ron Hainsey (2 G, 15 A, 17 G) showed sound defensive skills in his rookie year. Duvie Westcott (6 G, 22 A, 28 Pts) was better on offense than D and needs to keep away from injury. Rostislav Klesla, who certainly possesses the potential to be a top-10 D-man, has been plagued by injury and mental lapses on the ice.

With goalie Marc Denis gone, Pascal Leclaire (33 GP, 11 W, 15 L, 3 OT, 3.23 GAA, .911 SP) is pegged to start for the first time. Leclaire should blossom as long as he has adequate defense and can stay injury free. Former Edmonton veteran Ty Conklin (18 GP, 8 W, 5 L, 1 OT, 2.80 GAA. .880 SP) is on-hand as backup.

Columbus has been in the league for five years and is poised to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. They should be an exciting team.

For more information on the 2006 Columbus Hockey Club check out the Blue Jackets team website.