With the 10th season of the Columbus Blue Jackets approaching, the hype continues to heat up. With the hiring of new head coach Scott Arniel, Howson and company have had their hands full of trade rumors and speculations as to how they would use the 4th overall pick in the 2010 draft. The trade rumor circle has been rumbling lately with word of Howson trading the 4th overall pick for quality center that can play with Rick Nash. Jason Spezza had even been reported as an official trade to the Jackets, only to find out it was merely a rumor. With all of the Jackets Nation watching on Friday night, Howson calmly approached the podium in LA. With everyone’s mind saying Cam Fowler or Brandon Gormley, Howson announced the 2010 draft pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets was…Ryan Joahnsen. A 6’2″ 190 pound center from the Portland Winterhawks. As Scott Howson patiently waited for the trade offer for the pick, it never came. Howson indeed wanted to trade down as he felt that Johansen would still be available. However, it didn’t work out as planned. With the Blue Jackets on the clock, Howson and the crew went with their original pick and selected Johansen at 4th overall. With the way things turned out in the draft, the Jackets made the right choice because I don’t believe Johansen would have lasted beyond the 6th pick. I believe that Howson made the right choice. After last years pick of Defenseman John Moore, a strong center will make a perfect fit. Johansen produced 69 points in just 71 games in Portland. It has been a long ten years for the franchise and we have yet to see a top center to play with Nash. Is Ryan Johansen the guy? Under Coach Arniel I believe he will explode on offense. I estimate at least one year of development for Johansen before we see him play with the Jackets. But he will indeed have his chance to prove himself next week in Columbus as he will attend development camp.
