Nikita Filatov will start season in top six

Scott Arniel and the Columbus Blue Jackets have leaked their lines for the upcoming season. Their top 9 will be:

Jakub Voracek – Antoine Vermette – Rick Nash

Nikita Filatov – Derrick Brassard – Kristian Huselius

Ethan Moreau – Sammy Pahlsson – RJ Umberger

With Voracek playing on the top line, his value will skyrocket.  Already a sleeper in most formats, the former first round pick finished the season on a tear with 16 points over his final 20 games.  Even though he already put up a 50 point season in a lost year, he will look to improve his points totals even more playing with the big boys

Filatov will attempt to show some of his offensive talents with two players known for their inconsistency.  Brassard needs to shake off a sophomore slump in order to succeed in the League as he has yet to bounce back after losing almost a full season with a broken hand.  They both will play with the talented yet streaky Huselius, who loses value not playing with Nash.  The same can be said for Umberger, who will try to chip in some scoring amid a line of grinders.

The team finished with the fourth worst record in the League last season, but could bounce back should their young players improve.  In a tough Division, they will need to win those close games in order to make the playoffs or avoid being significantly outscored.  At least now they put the right coach in place as the team tries to further mold their youth.