Petteri Nummelin (d): A questionable prospect because of his age (27), Nummelin was the 3rd choice 133^rd overall of the Blue Jackets. He brings an excellent offensive resume to the NHL and should see some quality time on the Columbus powerplay. While he’s not likely to be a high scorer he could make a very good 5^th or 6^th d-man on your team.

Jean-Luc Grande Pierre (d): Acquired in an Expansion Draft trade with the Buffalo Sabres. We really like Grand-Pierre’s upside. He has toughness, a strong defensive presence and a blistering shot from the point. Look for the Blue Jackets to bring him along slowly but should still have an opportunity for some powerplay time. If you pick up Grand-Pierre it will probably be a year or two before you start to reap the benefits.

David Vyborny (rw): A stand-out in the Czech Elite League, Vyborny should get a chance to stick in Columbus. He could be a welcome addition on the Blue Jackets powerplay.

Serge Aubin (c): Aubin was taken out of the Colorado organization and could be a very pleasant surprise for Blue Jackets. He had 80 points in 58 games for Hershey of the AHL. The 25 year old Aubin will have every opportunity to make the out of training camp and if he performs well could see time on the powerplay as well.

Kevyn Adams (c): A faceoff specialist Adams should find a home in Columbus. He will see time on the powerplay and shorthanded sitauations. Adams has put up very good numbers in college and in the minors but hasn’t really had the opportunity to showcase his talents. The Blue Jackets should give him that chance.

Marc Denis (g): The former Colorado back-up goalie will be the back-up in Columbus for the near future. Denis is highly regarded but don’t expect much over the next couple of years as he will be playing behind Ron Tugnutt and will probably only see 25-30 games this season.

Ron Tugnutt (g): The Blue Jackets decided that they needed a bona fide #1 in net. They need Tugnutt’s veteran leadership and by signing him to a 4 year contract they feel that they are set in the nets for the near future. Don’t take the "Tugger" as your starter but he could be a solid 2^nd goalie.

Geoff Sanderson (lw): After scoring nearly 50 goals in 92/93 Sanderson has never reached those heights again. In fact since 97/98 he hasn’t scored more than 13 goals. He’ll likely be a first liner and occupy one of the points on the powerplay in Columbus, but we find it hard to believe he will ever reach his previous heights.

Steve Heinze (rw): Henize is a former 26 goal scorer who has progressively tailed off over the past couple of years. He’ll be looked to for leadership as much as scoring. Heinze will probably play the right wing on the top line and see a lot of powerplay time and could hit the 20 goal mark.

Robert Kron (c): Kron has never been a great player, in fact he’s only had two seasons with more than 20 goals and 50 points, but he will get every opportunity to regain his old form. It’s quite possible that he will center the top line with Sanderson and Heinze.

Tyler Wright (c): Many pundits were surprised that Wright was available in the expansion draft. He seemed to come into his own last season. He should find a place on the top two lines and should see some powerplay time. He has a gritty edge that could give him some additional value in leagues with PIM as a category.

Lyle Odelein (d): Odelein had a very rough season in 99/00. He was benched a couple of times in New Jersey and then he was traded in a late season deal to Phoenix in a move that was as much about team chemistry as anything else. For a guy who had played his heart out for the Devils in the past this was a real slap in the face. Look for Odelein to rebound with the Jackets. He is the undisputed leader on the blueline and his experience will be essential to the development of players such as Klesla, Bicanek and Timander. What will that do for his Fantasy prospects? Well look for him to return to his 98/99 numbers – except that his +/- will probably be a little suspect.

Jamie Heward (d/rw): Heward has only played 142 NHL games and has only garnered 40 points, but he is still regarded as an offensive defenseman. Look for him to get a shot on the powerplay and maybe swing some time on the wing on the 4^th line – always good for some extra playing time.