The Blue Jackets head into the 2017-18 season with the NHL’s top goaltender, top captain and top coach from a year ago. Sergei Bobrovsky, Nick Foligno and John Tortorella, respectively, have the hardware to prove it.
The Jackets also boast two future Norris Trophy candidates on defense (Seth Jones and Zach Werenski), a new offensive weapon up front in Artemi Panarin, and a host of players that ooze character and a highly competitive spirit.
All of the pieces are in place for the Blue Jackets to challenge for the Metropolitan Division and make a run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, they say.
Portzline: Blue Jackets say they won't let hapless history repeat itself in 2017-18
