Jared Boll’s Future

It is no surprise to me that Jared Boll is one of the few players to receive a quality offer from Scott Howson to make him a restricted free agent. With Derek Dorsett trying to improve his offensive skills, he can’t always be in the sin bin. Someone has to stand up for the team. Let’s look at our roster, we have no fighters. I remember recently when Rick Nash was having to take up for himself. As much as I love to see Rick Nash beat the crap out of someone, it is scary for the fans, coach, and the rest of the team. RJ Umberger has shown his lack of fighting experience, and last year Raffi Torres (no longer with us) didn’t even allow Patrick Sharpe to get his gloves off. My point is that besides Jared Boll, our only other enforcer would be Derek Dorsett. Although Dorsy can hold his own (better than Boll) I believe he is going to be used more offensively this season under Arniel. No, I don’t think Dorsett will stop fighting, I just see a decrease in his penalty minutes. My opinion might be a little bias considering Boll is one of, if not, my favorite player(s). With that being said, the rumor is Boll and his agent are working on a long-term deal with the Blue Jackets. I know many of you think that Jared Boll is not a long-term fit with this club, and I will have to agree with you. I would truly hate to see him go, but I think Jared Boll will be another Jody Shelley. He will get traded eventually, and then retire to become part of the CBJ staff. He is quickly getting replaced with recent draft pick, Dalton Smith. I see Boll signing a cheap contract for 4-5 years, and once Smith is ready for the NHL Boll will be traded. Unless we see major improvement with Boll, he will not stay with this franchise. However, let’s keep in mind there is a new system coming into Columbus and Jared Boll just might be one of Arniel’s army. Only time will tell. It will be exciting to see how players adapt and breakthrough the new system.

Boll vs Commodore

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