3 Blue Jackets’ Takeaways From Buffalo Prospects Challenge – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets finished the Buffalo Prospects Challenge on a high note Monday. After splitting their first two games against the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, the Blue Jackets defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Erie Otters’ center Pano Fimis led the way with two goals.

After a tough opener against the Sabres, the Blue Jackets settled in and played much better in their final two games. Although they got into some penalty trouble, they were able to find a way to keep the games in range before securing their wins.

This Prospects Challenge is the prelude to main Training Camp which starts on Wednesday at Nationwide Arena. The first time the team will hit the ice is on Thursday. We’ll see on Wednesday who from the Prospects Challenge roster gets an invite to main camp.

I was in Buffalo on Friday and Saturday and then watched Monday’s game against Ottawa online. Here are my three takeaways from the weekend that was.

Mateychuk & Brindley

The two best players on the Blue Jackets’ roster for this challenge were Denton Mateychuk and Gavin Brindley. Each has a legitimate case to make the opening-night roster.

Mateychuk didn’t play in the game Friday against the Sabres. With their game Saturday starting at 3:30 P.M. after a 7 P.M. start, it made no sense to play him in both games.

Mateychuk wore the C for the Blue Jackets and showed why. He picked back up right where he left off from the seven-game series against the Hershey Bears.

Mateychuk’s offensive instincts and vision are off the charts good for someone his age. The play Saturday in overtime when he was on the wall demonstrated the creativity he has. With multiple defenders on him, Mateychuk was able to find Luca Del Bel Belluz coming down the slot for the overtime winner.

Mateychuk was consistently one of the best players on the ice in the two games. His poise allows him to make good decisions with the puck. He also operated as the quarterback of the power play.

The one thing that was worth noting is that teams circled Mateychuk as a threat and tried hitting him as much as possible. As close as he is to being NHL ready, that is the one area in which there is a question. He will be looked at as a potential target for hits, slashes and the like. How ready will he be for the physical side of the NHL?

Mateychuk has worn the C in multiple places. This past weekend was the first time he’s worn it for the Blue Jackets in any capacity….