Columbus Blue Jackets fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Columbus Blue Jackets. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Johnny Gaudreau, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 121

Reason for optimism: Gaudreau was close to a point per game (74 in 80 games) in his first season with the Blue Jackets despite Columbus finishing 30th in goals per game (2.60). He's only one season removed from being tied for second in the NHL in points (115) when he played for the Calgary Flames in 2021-22.

NHL.com point projection: 83

Patrik Laine, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 135

Reason for optimism: Laine thrived down the stretch last season with 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in his final 16 games before sustaining a season-ending triceps injury. He is nearly a point-per-game player (108 in 111 games) for Columbus over the past two seasons combined and could score 35-40 goals (NHL career-high 44 with Winnipeg Jets in 2017-18) on a line with Gaudreau and/or rookie center Adam Fantilli (No. 3 pick in 2023 NHL Draft).

NHL.com point projection: 67

Boone Jenner, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 170

Reason for optimism:Jenner scored 26 goals in 68 games last season, the second most he's scored in a single season in his NHL career (30 in 2015-16). He scored seven of his 26 goals on the power play last season despite the Blue Jackets going 18.6 percent on the man-advanage (26th in NHL) last season.

NHL.com point projection: 59

Zach Werenski, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 219

Reason for optimism:Werenski sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in November but is expected to be ready for training camp and play in his usual spot on the top pair and first power play. He ranked 14th among NHL defensemen in points per game (0.71; 48 in 68 games) in 2021-22 and has more support around him in the lineup after the offseason additions of Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov.

NHL.com point projection: 58

Kent Johnson, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 223

Reason for optimism: Johnson ranked fifth among NHL rookies in points (40 in 79 games) last season despite only averaging 14:31 per game. He has a chance to earn a bigger role this season and potentially play on a line with Fantilli (fellow University of Michigan product) if the latter makes the jump to the NHL this season. Columbus' sneaky young core of Johnson, Fantilli, wing Kirill Marchenko (21 goals in 59 games last season) and defenseman prospect David Jiricek (No. 6 pick in 2022 NHL Draft) should be prioritized in fantasy keeper and dynasty leagues.

NHL.com point projection: 55

Other CBJ players to consider in fantasy: Kirill Marchenko, RW; Adam Fantilli, C; Damon Severson, D; Elvis Merzlikins, G; Ivan Provorov, D; David Jiricek, D