Columbus Blue Jackets: 2 Breakout Candidates For Next Season

With each season that passes, it seems as though every team has players who improve significantly. They often turn out to be prospects naturally, but players who have some experience in the league also can. In this segment, we will be looking at two potential breakout candidates from each team. We will also be setting a max age limit of 26 years old, so veterans are not eligible for discussion.

In this specific piece, we will be looking at the Columbus Blue Jackets. With all the moves that they have made this summer, it is clear that they are once again rebuilding. Although they likely will not be a playoff team this upcoming season, these two young players should be given a lot of chances to succeed. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see them breakout in a real way.

Alexandre Texier C: In 49 games this past season, Alexandre Texier scored four goals and had 15 points. The previous season, he had six goals and 13 points. With the Blue Jackets revamping their roster, he should be given more playing time this upcoming season. The 21-year-old forward has the potential to blossom into a top-six forward and this could be the year it comes into fruition. Do not be surprised to see his point totals go up this go-around because of this. He's still very young, so he hasn't reached his prime yet.

Adam Boqvist D: Adam Boqvist is one of the pieces that came back from the Seth Jones deal. In 35 games this past season with Chicago, the 21-year-old scored two goals and had 16 points. The former eighth overall pick has a lot of potential and is already finding his groove at the NHL level. With the Blue Jackets, he will be given even more chances to succeed, as they lost both Jones and David Savard this off-season. Expect to see him in their top-four and potentially even on their top-pair. This will surely lead his offensive totals to go up.