Brooke: Zach Werenski says he wants to stay. Jet Greaves just got paid. And opening night against Buffalo is exactly one month away. We're answering your questions on all of it, right now.
Tony: And trust me, some of these answers might surprise you.
Brooke: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, the only daily hockey show that bleeds Union Blue. I'm Brooke.
Tony: And I'm Tony. It's Friday, August 28th, and the Blue Jackets are sitting fifth in the Metropolitan Division with the preseason just around the corner.
Brooke: Today it's all about you, the fans. We're digging into the mailbag to answer your burning questions about this roster, the goaltending battle, and what it all means for a playoff push.
Tony: We've got three segments: first, the big-picture stuff — Werenski's future and the Metro race. Then we'll break down the roster battles, especially in goal. And we'll wrap with a fun hypothetical and a lightning round.
Brooke: Stick with us, because we're about to give you the honest, unfiltered takes you won't find anywhere else.
Brooke: Alright, let's jump into the mailbag. First question comes from Sarah in Rochester. She asks, 'With Werenski saying he wants to stay long term, how confident are you that he actually signs before his contract runs out?'
Tony: I'm pretty confident, actually. Werenski's got two years left, and he's basically said all the right things about wanting to contend here. The front office has been aggressive this offseason, adding guys like Nichushkin and Garland. That shows they're serious.
Brooke: Yeah, and it's not just talk. They've locked up Sillinger and Greaves to extensions. The core is being built around him.
Tony: Exactly. And if they make the playoffs this year, that's the final piece. Werenski wants to win, and the Jackets are proving they can.
Brooke: Next up, Marcus in Denver asks about the Metro. 'Are the Blue Jackets really contenders, or just a playoff team?'
Tony: That's a fair question. They're fifth in the division right now, but the Metro is a gauntlet. Carolina just won the Cup, the Rangers are always there, and the Devils are loaded.
Brooke: So you're saying they're a playoff team but not a Cup contender yet?
Tony: Right. I think they're a wild-card team, maybe even the second wild card. We've said 96 points and a playoff berth. But contending? That's a step further. They need to prove it in the playoffs first.
Brooke: Alright, but what about the offense? We added Nichushkin and Garland. Does that change the ceiling?
Tony: It definitely raises the floor. Nichushkin is a big body who can score, and Garland brings grit and playmaking. But the real X-factor is Marchenko. If he leads the team in goals like we predicted, this offense is scary.
Brooke: And I'm sticking with that prediction — Marchenko scores on opening night against Buffalo. You heard it here first. Again.
Tony: You keep saying that, and I keep saying it's bold. But I love the confidence.
Brooke: Now, big picture: should the Jackets be buyers at the deadline if they're in a playoff spot? That's from @JacketsFan4Life.
Tony: Oh, absolutely. If they're in a wild-card spot, you have to go for it. Werenski's prime isn't forever. Add a rental or two, make a push. That's what contenders do.
Brooke: But don't mortgage the future, right?
Tony: No, you keep the core. But if it's a first-round pick for a top-six winger? You do it. This team is close.
Brooke: Alright, moving to segment two. This one's all about the roster battles. First up, from Emily in Cleveland: 'Who's your starter in net? Jet Greaves or Elvis Merzlikins?'
Tony: This is the biggest question of camp. Greaves just signed a three-year, $15 million deal. That's a statement. But Merzlikins is still there, and he's proven.
Brooke: So who gets the nod on opening night?
Tony: I'm going with Greaves. The contract shows they believe in him long term. He's younger, and he's the future. Give him the net and let him run.
Brooke: I agree. Greaves is the guy. But what about the backup situation? Pheonix Copley is there too.
Tony: Copley is a solid third option. If Merzlikins struggles, maybe he gets moved. But for now, it's Greaves and Merzlikins, and I think they split early until someone takes the job.
Brooke: Next question from @CBJStatsGuy: 'The center position is crowded. How do you see the lines shaping up, especially with Fantilli, Monahan, and both Sillingers?'
Tony: That's a good problem to have. You've got Fantilli, who's the future number one. Monahan is a veteran presence. And Cole Sillinger just got paid, so he's going to get a big role.
Brooke: So who centers the top line?
Tony: I think you start with Fantilli. He's the most talented. Put him with Marchenko and maybe Nichushkin. That's your top line. Monahan can anchor the second line with Johnson and Voronkov.
Brooke: And Cole Sillinger? He's making over $4 million a year now.
Tony: Third line, but a big third line. He can play with Garland and Olivier. That's a matchup nightmare. And Owen Sillinger? He might start on the fourth line or as a healthy scratch. It's deep.
Brooke: What about Kent Johnson? He's a center too.
Tony: Johnson might move to the wing. He's versatile, and there's too many centers. He can play on the second line with Monahan. That's not a bad thing.
Brooke: Alright, one more from Jake in Columbus: 'Is Denton Mateychuk ready for a top-four role on defense?'
Tony: He's looked great in camp. He's got the skills. But top-four on a team with Werenski, Provorov, and Severson? That's tough. I'd say he starts on the third pair, but he'll get power play time and work his way up.
Brooke: So he's not quite there yet?
Tony: Not on opening night, but by midseason? Absolutely. He's the future on the blue line.
Brooke: Now for segment three. We got a fun one from @HockeyTommy: 'If you could add one player from the 2026 free agent class to the Jackets, who would it be?'
Tony: That's a tough one. But I'd say a top-pairing right-shot defenseman. Someone to play with Werenski. I don't have a specific name, but that's the biggest need.
Brooke: So you're not happy with the current defense?
Tony: It's solid, but it's not elite. Fabbro and Severson are good, but they're not number one guys. Adding a true number one would put them over the top.
Brooke: Lightning round time. I'm going to fire off a few quick takes, and you give me your gut reaction. Goaltending: Greaves or Merzlikins for the season opener?
Tony: Greaves.
Brooke: Over/under 96 points this season?
Tony: Over. We said 96, but I think they surpass it.
Brooke: Marchenko scores on opening night?
Tony: Yes, but only because Brooke keeps saying it. I'm starting to believe it.
Brooke: That's the power of positive thinking. Now, a bold prediction: who's the breakout player this year?
Tony: Denton Mateychuk. He's going to surprise a lot of people and end up a top-four guy by the end of the year.
Brooke: I'll take Adam Fantilli. He's going to take the next step and become the number one center we all know he can be.
Brooke: That's all the time we have today. Thanks for sending in your questions, everyone. We'll do this again soon.
Tony: Remember, folks, the Jackets are fifth in the Metro, but they're trending up. Werenski's committed, the young guys are hungry, and the goaltending is set. This team is for real.
Brooke: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share it with your fellow Jackets fans. And as always, go Jackets!
Tony: We'll see you next time. Stay hungry, stay humble, and let's get ready for opening night.
Brooke: That's a wrap. Go Jackets!