Tim Jackman, RW- The 6’3” right wing had a difficult first season of pro hockey with Syracuse after leaving Mankato State after his sophomore season. Jackman worked hard during the summer, spending several weeks in Columbus for voluntary on ice workouts and skating clinics. As a result, Jackman was expected to compete for fourth line duty with the Jackets this season but a shoulder injury hampered his participation at training camp. To date, Jackman has been a much more assertive player for the Crunch. He has effectively positioned himself in front of the net in the offensive zone is slowly emerging as a legitimate power forward prospect. Last season Jackman struggle to post 16 points in 77 games played; currently, he has registered a point in six of the first seven games garnering four assists and two goals.
Ben Knopp, RW- Ben Knopp spent the majority of the 2002-2003 hockey season learning the pro game in Dayton of the ECHL. Knopp, while a prolific scorer while playing as a junior in the WHL, struggled to score during his first season as a pro. Former Dayton coach Gary Ireland questioned Knopp’s work ethic and desire to fight through checks. Knopp finished his first season with a twelve game call up with Syracuse, but would have to earn an AHL roster spot for the 2003-2004 season during training camp. Knopp returned to the ice much stronger and more committed to the game. He had an excellent training camp in Columbus and earned some playing time during two preseason games before being assigned to Syracuse. Knopp has yet to score a goal this season, but his early play indicates he is recommitted to improving his game.
Aaron Johnson, D- Considered to be the top Columbus defensive prospect, Johnson enters his first year pro after a sterling career in the QMJHL. The talented offensive defenseman has been paired with seasoned pro Todd Rohloff. Rohloff was signed by the Blue Jackets in the off-season to tutor Johnson in the art of defensive zone coverage while allowing Johnson to join the rush when appropriate. Johnson is also quarterbacking a power play unit that has started the season converting 33 percent of their opportunities. Through seven games, Johnson is scoring at slightly under a point per game rate with two goals and four assists. Johnson will continue to earn quality minutes on the blueline so long as he continues to be defensively responsible.
Pascal Leclaire, G– Leclaire is the only former first round selection playing with the Crunch. Last year, his first as a pro, the young goaltender struggled with consistency and never established himself as the starter. Leclaire is blessed with a dazzling glove hand and has tremendous agility; he often relies on athletic ability over technique. The Blue Jackets worked with Leclaire throughout last season to improve his positioning and rebound control. They also had him change his stance and try new pads, essentially recreating the netminder with the fundamentals first mentality. Leclaire’s play to start the season suggests that he has indeed improved his game. With a 3-0 record and .935 save percentage, Leclaire is making a push to grab the bulk of the season’s starts from 2002-2003 AHL All-Star goaltender Karl Goering. In his fourth start of the season, Leclaire left after the first period after suffering a minor knee injury when an opposing player fell on top of him, but he is not expected to miss any starts as a result of the injury.