Blogger's Breakouts: Columbus Blue Jackets

 
For the second year in a row we welcome to John from Light the Lamp as our Columbus Blue Jackets blogging expert.  Last season John picked Jacob Voracek and Derick Brassard as his two breakout picks.  Well, one out of two isn't bad.  If you enjoy John's work below make sure to take a look at his site... particularly if you're a fan of the Jackets.

We asked John eight fantasy relevant questions.  Follow the jump to read his answers...

To see the rest of our Blogger's Breakouts click here for the main page.

LIGHT THE LAMP

Q1) Blue Jackets Breakout of the Year?

 
This will be Jakub Voracek.  I think he has a very good chance to be the Jackets leading scorer this season.  70 pts not out of reach.  Heard it here first.

Q2) Darkhorse Breakout on the Blue Jackets?

I think you have to go Nikita Filatov.  He looks to have a top 6 spot sewn up – at least early.  He came to Columbus a full 6 weeks ahead of camp.  He’ll be paired with Brassard and Voracek in their first pre-season action tomorrow.  I like what I’ve seen thus far of him in camp.  He appears committed.  What makes him a darkhorse is the risk that if things don’t go his way early how does he react?  Does he take his lumps and or bolt back to Russia?.

Q3) Breakdown on the Blue Jackets?

The one guy from a fantasy perspective that I would keep your eye on for a potential let down is Anton Stralman.  Stralman started like a ball of fire on D for the Jackets (especially on the PP) last season but really cooled in the 2nd half of the year.  He ended up with a respectable 6g 28a for 34 points but also finished with a -17.  Barring a trade for an offensive dman Stralman should still see plenty of prime PP time but that will depend on how the new coaching staff uses him.  He’s also only 24 and owns one of the few right hand shots on the team so in theory he should improve and should be used but I’m cautious that he can just as easily regress.

Q4) League-Wide Breakout of the Year?

I like Zach Bogosian for the Thrashers.  Keep your eye on Colin Wilson of the Predators as well.  He’ll be given a significant role in that Predators offense.

Q5) Your First Five Fantasy Picks?

Crosby, Ovechkin. H. Sedin, Stamkos, Brodeur

Q6) Value for Money Fantasy Goalie?

I’m gonna have to say Pekka Rinne for the Predators.  He makes the stops he should and I love Nashville’s defense and team play.

Q7) Taylor or Tyler?

I’m going to go Taylor.  He’ll get more of the premium minutes – especially on the PP.

Q8) Who is Going to win the Stanley Cup?

I’m gonna say it’s finally the Washington Capitals turn this year to raise Lord Stanley.

BONUS) Do the Jackets trade for a PP QB this season? If so, who's your pick?

Souray rumors and flying high right now and I’m on board with them as the Jackets could use him, have too many defensive dmen and the Oilers can afford to take back a big contract from the Jackets.

If not Souray than they’d certainly be interested in Bieska or Kaberle should either of those teams decide to move them.  Kaberle is a long shot as that ship has pretty much sailed now that his NTC has kicked back in (he wouldn’t waive it to come to Cbus). 

Thanks to John from the Light The Lamp.  If you enjoyed his BB head over to the site and check out more of his work.