The Columbus Blue Jackets have something to be encouraged about as a long and disappointing season comes to an end.
On track to finish near the bottom of the standings, the Blue Jackets are one of only five NHL teams to boast multiple 30-goal scorers - Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad - with two days remaining in the regular season.
The other four teams are all in the playoffs or still in the running for a spot:
- Dallas: Jamie Benn (41), Tyler Seguin (33), Jason Spezza (30)
- Boston: Brad Marchand (37), Patrice Bergeron (32), Loui Eriksson (30)
- Tampa Bay: Steven Stamkos (36), Nikita Kucherov (30)
- Nashville: Filip Forsberg (33), James Neal (31)
That Saad and Jenner are both in the early stages of their careers gives Columbus much to be excited about, especially with a high draft pick on the way this June.
But while Saad is rightfully being compensated as the team's highest-paid skater, the unfortunate thing is that Columbus is hamstrung by a number of expensive contracts doled out to older forwards.
(Courtesy: General Fanager)
Unless those veterans perform up to their compensation levels or some of those cumbersome deals can be shed this summer, it may be difficult for Columbus to jump back into playoff contention as early as next season.
Still, Saad and Jenner - along with Seth Jones on the blue line - represent a bright future in Columbus, and their accomplishments represent a bright silver lining.