Summer Spotlight: Jake Christiansen

Number:23
Birth date: Sept. 12, 1999 (age 22)
Birthplace: West Vancouver, British Columbia
Height, Weight:6-0, 186
Stats: 8 GP, 1-0-1
Contract: Signed through 2022-23 season (One year remaining until RFA status)

The numbers were almost eye-popping.
When Jake Christiansen returned to Everett of the WHL for a fifth season with the Silvertips, it was easy to expect big things from the then-20-year-old considering he had been a solid producer with the team in previous seasons.
But even Christiansen likely didn't expect posting 22 goals and 50 points in 38 games, numbers that would have been elite for a forward let alone a defenseman. Despite playing in so few games, he still led WHL defensemen in goals during the 2019-20 season, plus his 1.32 points per game topped league blueliners.
It was clear based on those numbers he'd be signing an NHL contract with someone once his junior eligibility expired, and it turned out Columbus was the place he'd put pen to paper. The COVID pandemic took away much of his first pro season -- he ended up with three goals among 15 points in 28 games in that shortened 2021 campaign -- but he had an eventful 2021-22 campaign this past year.
Not only was Christiansen one of the top-scoring defensemen in the AHL, he made his NHL debut, skating in eight games with the Blue Jackets over two separate stints with the team.
"I am just trying to gain trust and do everything I can do to so," he said. "I feel like I've been simple and just taking it one game at a time and living in the moment. Obviously everyone is faster and bigger. In the D-zone, I'm focusing on closing on guys and stuff like that. There are some details I have to focus on that maybe you can get away with a little bit in the A, but here I have to focus on those details or I'll get burnt."

Top Moment of 2021-22

The Blue Jackets had a fair number of first NHL goals a season ago, and Christiansen put his name on the list when he scored in the fourth game of his career. Columbus was in an early 1-0 hole in a game March 1 against New Jersey at Nationwide Arena, but a strong forecheck got possession of the puck in the lower right corner, and Christiansen showed excellent vision to get open at the back post. Cole Sillinger spotted the defenseman pinching down and hit him in stride with a cross-ice pass, and Christiansen showed his goal-scoring abilities by firing a quick shot into the net for the memorable tally.

A Christiansen Highlight

Stat to Know

Christiansen's first full pro season proved to be a good one, as he adjusted quite quickly to the AHL level. He had gotten his feet wet in the shortened 2021 season then was one of the top-producing defensemen in the NHL's top minor league a season ago, posting a 13-32-45 line. Those totals left him tied for first in the AHL in goals and fourth in the league in points among blueliners, and his career stats make it clear he has the ability to put points on the scoreboard.

2022-23 Expectations

There are plenty of young defensemen with upside on the CBJ blue line, and Christiansen might be one of the most intriguing. His offensive bona fides have been shown at all levels, and it's clear he is likely good enough on that side of the puck to be an NHL player sooner rather than later. Picking up everything in the defensive zone will take a little more time, but if it all comes together quickly, he could force himself into NHL playing time given his skill level.