CBUSsports started covering the Blue Jackets the day we began operations in February of last year. In our short life, we have seen four head coaches, an excruciating number of losses, and more injuries than suffered by a nonagenarian pickle baller.

So, with the past few seasons of disappointments as a backdrop, why do I believe there is a realistic sense of hope wafting around this current squad? Why is this the season of turnaround given the unspeakable tragedy that hit the Blue Jackets’ universe in August? Why has the future become bright given the injuries already suffered at the start of this campaign?

Well, I can tell you that there is indeed a different feeling around this team. I’ve talked to players, team staff, media members, and fifth-line faithful and they all say that there is something positive going on at Nationwide Arena. Let’s take a look at the possible reasons for these glass half-full sentiments.

First, new general manager Don Waddell was unafraid to dive in and make immediate changes. An NHL veteran, Waddell brought in some players who have changed the maturity on the ice. It’s easy to say “experienced” when referring to newly-acquired Sean Monahan, James van Riemsdyk, and Jack Johnson, but mature is a better adjective. More about them in a moment.

The addition of head coach Dean Evason may be the biggest reason for optimism. His success with the Minnesota Wild could be a blueprint for Columbus. His ability so far to wipe the slate clean and allow players to compete for slots has been impressive. Examples? Mikael Pyyhtiä made the roster unexpectedly with an outstanding training camp and Kent Johnson earned time on the penalty kill for the first time in his career

The Blue Jackets’ changed style of play is already paying dividends. It is more aggressive. Most important, it is more aggressive all over the ice. In their home win over the Buffalo Sabres last week, there was a play where Monahan and Kirill Marchenko executed a perfect forecheck in the Sabres’ zone. Marchenko stole the puck and hit a streaking Damon Severson, a defenseman, in the slot for the score.

Let’s look at some players. Zach Werenski is skating like he did before his recent spate of injuries. Maybe better. He is looking for his shot and is making cross-ice passes with beautiful precision. Most important for the club, with the loss of Boone Jenner in the room, Werenski has become the guy who can demand more from his teammates. A tough loss? He’s the one to address the media without making excuses.

Kent Johnson came into camp as a different player. He picked up not a little size and speed this summer in British Columbia and was firing on all cylinders when he was injured in the team’s home opener last week. All of Columbus looks forward to his return. Yegor Chinakhov is the other “youngster” who has hit the accelerator in the early going. Both Johnson and Chinakhov have been fun to watch.

Back to Monahan, van Reimsdyk, and Jack Johnson. Sure there is experience. Johnson has won a Stanley Cup. But their confidence, on and off the ice, is rubbing off on the bevy of young talent that makes up so much of the Columbus roster. And they do the little things around the net that the veterans on the NHL’s perennial powers do. 

And finally, the Blue Jackets who some may describe as role players are having an outsized influence on the team so far this season. Fourth-line regulars Sean Kuraly and Mathieu Olivier are thrown into play when the opposition’s offense is having their way, which is why they’re also on the first PK. Olivier has grown past his tough guy role with increased scoring, but still protects the backs of those who need protecting.

How big a step this team takes will depend upon their goaltenders. With Elvis Merzlikins missing games early with injury, Daniil Tarasov has done well in the net, earning two wins in his three starts. The offense has already moved forward. It has scored more goals in the first five games than any other Blue Jackets team. And the defense is more intense than any team since John Tortorella was the head man.

OK, that is the analysis from our spot on press row. Fingers crossed.