2 Surprising Cuts Blue Jackets Made In Training Camp

The Columbus Blue Jackets made some interesting choices in training camp cutting a few of their forwards. They have a lot of players to choose from, but it was projected both of these cuts would be on the opening night roster.

Kirill Marchenko

Kirill Marchenko came over from the KHL after spending the past three full seasons there. He is a talented player who is able to score and put up points, doing so against men in that league. He was expected to come over and at least slot in on the bottom-six and provide depth scoring. Instead, the Blue Jackets decided to keep a few less offensively gifted players around.

Mathieu Olivier and Justin Danforth are still with the team. Olivier has scored just three goals in 48 career games and played just 10 games in the NHL in 2021-22. Danforth played his first games in the NHL last season at age 28. He suited up for just half of the games, so it is interesting the team would go with him over someone younger with potential.

Emil Bemstrom

Emil Bemstrom had appeared to have solidified himself as a NHL regular after playing 117 games in the NHL. He scored six goals and 11 points in 41 games with the Blue Jackets last season, but was surprisingly cut and placed on waivers.

He was expected to be in contention for a bottom-six role, but since his rookie season in 2019-20, the opportunity and production has dwindled. He should be one of the first call-ups, but the organization has become much younger and more challenging to earn a spot in the NHL.