Jackets’ roster finalized

The season starts tomorrow (finally!), and your CBJ roster has been set. I won’t go into much analysis, here; if you’d like some, check out Drew’s take on the roster over over at EOB.

Missing from the lineup are the injured Fedorov, Svitov, and Berard; and the reserved Picard and Zherdev. Klesla is also off the roster for the first two games due to his suspension. All should be back by late October or early November… except maybe Berard – his status (back injury) is “out indefinitely.” Also, Carter is listed on the second line, but has been battling a foot inflammation.

Lines (LW/C/RW)

First Line: Rick Nash / Mark Hartigan / David Vyborny
A great first line. Hartigan fills in for Fedorov here. Let’s see what he does with the opportunity.

Second Line: Fredrik Modin / Geoff Platt / Anson Carter
Some new faces here. Brule could step into this line, too.

Third Line: Jason Chimera / Manny Malhotra / Dan Fritsche
Sol-id. Great veteran chemistry here.

Fourth Line: Jody Shelly / Gilbert Brule / Jaroslav Balastik
This line will hurt people.

Defense Pairs

First Pair: Ron Hainsey / Adam Foote

Second Pair: Aaron Johnson / Duvie Westcott

Third Pair: Anders Eriksson / Ole-Kristian Tollefson

Goaltending

Starter: Pascal Leclaire

Backup: Fredrik Norrena

Overall, it’s a pretty exciting lineup, but the Jackets lack some experience at center. Federov and Svitov can’t return too quickly. The biggest “surprise” for many was Brule being assigned to the fourth line. With the injuries, everyone assumed he’d be the guy to beat. I’m thinking the coaches were just more impressed with Platt’s performance during the preseason (4 goals, 3 assists).

Let’s get it on!