The Columbus Blue Jackets Player Handling Has Been Inconsistent

By Brian Wallace

Jan 29, 2024

It seems clear there was an oversell on the state of the team heading into training camp. The Blue Jackets loyal fan base is now wavering and the last 30 + games do not hold much promise of a wins/losses turnaround.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are performing well below management’s public expectations. It seems clear there was an oversell on the state of the team heading into training camp. The Blue Jackets loyal fan base is now wavering and the last 30 + games do not hold much promise of a wins/losses turnaround. To add to the team’s performance the handling of players has been inconsistent. If a light was to be shown on the inconsistency of player handling we would be here all day. That said, two players stick out, Adam Fantilli and David Jiricek.

Adam Fantilli was shifted from wing to top-line center when team captain Boone Jenner missed nearly six full weeks with a broken jaw. Fantilli, who is having a solid rookie season, looked the part of a top-line center in Jenner’s absence. When Jenner returned, Fantilli was moved back to the wing.

Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent said it was “not going to affect his development at all.” The reason this is baffling is that Fantilli projects as a top-line center and more than held his own against top competition game after game. Fantilli should still be on the top line. For a team that is headed for another lottery pick it should be time to let the young players go and learn. Going back to the wing does the player and organization little good.

David Jiricek was told by management in training camp to look for a full-time place to live in Columbus. Soon after the season got underway Jiricek, who was an AHL All-Star last season was held out of the lineup and iced just 14:47 minutes in games and was sent to the AHL.

It is now being reported that Jiricek and the Blue Jackets’ relationship is strained as the player does not trust management, easy to see why. The message is muddled GM, Jarmo Kekalinen said of Jiricek that it is best for his development to play NHL games and have NHL practices. So he was sent to Cleveland?

Again the Columbus Blue Jackets are not making the playoffs this season and it does not look like they will escape last place in the Metro Division. Why not play players where it benefits both parties and holds true to your word?