I am a fully credentialed writer who covers the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cleveland Monsters and Erie Otters as well as the Ontario Hockey League and NHL Draft. The 2023-24 season will mark 10 seasons with the Hockey Writers. I am also the site's Credentials Manager. Please take note of the updated Twitter handle: @mark_scheig.
This is the second part of a two-part series we are doing with the Blue Jackets. We are going to ask 10 burning Blue Jackets questions. Helping us do that are two people that know the Blue Jackets about as good as anybody.
In Part One, Alison Lukan from Bluejackets.com and Buckeye State Hockey joined us to help answer these burning Blue Jackets questions. You can listen to that conversation here.
This time Rob Mixer, the man behind the Blue Jackets Twitter account, stopped by to give his perspective on the same questions. What will the Top Nine look like come opening night? Who will play with Ryan Johansen and Brandon Saad? Which prospect will end up in Columbus first? Click below to hear our entire conversation with Rob.
This is the first part of a two-part series we are doing with the Blue Jackets. We are going to ask 10 burning Blue Jackets questions. Helping us do that are two individuals that know the Blue Jackets about as good as anybody.
In Part One, Alison Lukan from Bluejackets.com and Buckeye State Hockey joined us to help answer these burning Blue Jackets questions. Can the Jackets win the Metro? What is the state of the defense given no new acquisitions? Why is Sergei Bobrovsky the NHL’s second highest paid goalie? How much pressure is Todd Richards under to win this season? That is just some of what you’ll get.
Stay tuned for Part Two of 10 burning questions, when Rob Mixer from Bluejackets.com stops by to give his perspective on the same questions. Click below to hear our entire conversation with Alison.
Looking for a competitive edge in fantasy hockey? You have come to the right place.
This week, we talked fantasy hockey with one of the best in the business. NHL.com’s Matt Sitkoff joined us to help set up the upcoming season. We hit a lot of topics.
Whether you are looking for rankings, or sleepers, or even draft day strategy, this interview has you covered. Sitkoff spent more than 40 minutes with us giving you hints and tips that will give you an edge on the competition.
Who will go first overall in drafts? How will familiar faces do in new places? Which players aren’t getting enough attention, but will help you win your league? How should you approach your draft? Is Connor McDavid a first-round pick? When should you consider taking Jack Eichel? Would you rather own Victor Hedman or Drew Doughty? Which newly drafted players not named McDavid or Eichel will have an impact this season? It’s not who you think.
And that’s not even the half of it. Click on the link below to hear our entire conversation. Make sure you follow Matt on Twitter @msitkoffnhl.
Other Great Fantasy Content
While you are listening to our interview, check out some other great fantasy content that will help you get ready for the upcoming season. Clicking on the links will not interrupt the interview.
Connor McDavid is sure to go early in most fantasy drafts. (Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports)
Three Takes is a weekly feature that explores the world of the Columbus Blue Jackets and offers strong insights into the team and what to watch for. Have a strong take to share? Feel free to leave your comments below or tweet me anytime @THWMark.
Take One: Frank Seravalli Previews The Metro Division
The deeper we get in August, the closer we get to the training camps and the upcoming season. We all eagerly await what the new season will bring. With that in mind, it’s time to start previewing the season.
We begin with the Metropolitan Division. The New York Rangers are the defending division champions. They’re also the defending President’s Trophy champions. Nipping at their heels are teams like the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Other teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils all feel they can make noise, as well. So how is it all going to play out?
We discussed this and many other Metro topics with Frank Seravalli, formerly of the Philadelphia Daily News, and current TSN Senior Reporter. Does the Metro have a clear favorite? Can five teams make the Eastern Conference playoffs? Click on the link below to hear our entire conversation.
Adding T.J. Oshie to a deep lineup gives the edge to the Capitals. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
Take Two: Who Wins The Metro?
Any of five teams can win the Metro, but one team stands out to me. It’s the Washington Capitals.
The Capitals are the most complete team in the Metro. They have the right balance of offense, defense, and goaltending. They are on the verge of contending for a Stanley Cup. In fact, I believe this is the year the Capitals make the Stanley Cup Final.
They lost a couple of players in Mike Green and Eric Fehr, but added T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams to an excellent core of forwards. Braden Holtby is a top-five goaltender. It adds up to a very successful 2015-16 season for the Capitals.
Take Three: Who was the Metro’s Best Acquisition?
No question the best acquisition in the Metro, and in the league for that matter, was Phil Kessel to the Penguins. Adding that kind of offense to an already solid core of forwards is a scary thing for everyone else. Kessel easily has the potential to score 40 goals this season.
He also helps balance the rest of the lineup. All of a sudden, the Penguins have the look of being a true Stanley Cup contender again. If they get a decent performance from their blue line, they can make major noise this coming season.
Brandon Saad was also a great acquisition for the Metro. He now joins one of the game’s rising stars in Ryan Johansen on the top line of the Blue Jackets. This duo has an opportunity to dominate for many seasons to come.
Now it’s your turn. How does the Metro play out? What are your thoughts on our conversation with Seravalli? Leave your comments below.
