The Blue Jackets followed their franchise's first playoff appearance with a disappointing 14th place finish in the Western Conference and last place in the Central Division. The limped out of the gate to a 22-27-9 record and lost 14 of 16 games in December that ultimately cost Ken Hitchcock his job. The team did not fare better under interim coach Claude Noel as they finished the season 10-8-6.
Offensively they struggled, as they finished tied for 20th in the league in goals (214). It started at the top as Rick Nash saw his goals totals drop from 40 to 33 and points drop from 79 to 67. Steve Mason had the definition of a sophomore slump as he went from Calder Trophy winner to backup at times last season.
Offseason Ins: LW Ethan Moreau (EDM: 76 GP, 9G-9A-18P), LW Nikita Filatov (KHL: 26 GP, 9G-13A-22P),
Offseason Outs: D Nathan Paetsch (10 GP)
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Article written by Matt Sitkoff