Despite losing Scott Hartnell to buyout, William Karlsson to Vegas and Sam Gagner to free agency, the Blue Jackets remain a deep and talented group up front.
They have what could be an elite top line in Artemi Panarin, Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson leading in the skill department, while the rugged trio of Boone Jenner, Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno could potentially round out the top six.
What will make or break the fortunes of the Jackets is how the players below the aforementioned half-dozen in the lineup perform.