Markus Hannikainen spent much of the year for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the press box, waiting for an injury or a foward to struggle to earn his chance to play in the lineup. Hannikainen’s most consistent stretch of playing time came from December 8 through January 12. Hannikainen played 14 games over that stretch, but posted no points during that month of playing time.
Hannikainen played the final four games of the regular season as well, seeing his playing time creep over ten minutes per night in each game while registering one goal and one assist as the Jackets clinched a playoff berth.