Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan Set to Make His Preseason Debut

Coming off of a late night 8-4 win over the Washington Capitals, the Columbus Blue Jackets return home to play in their fourth of eight preseason games.

A notable debut will be taking place.

For the first time since signing a 5-year, $27.5 million contract with the Blue Jackets in the offseason, Sean Monahan will appear in a game.

The team will be utilizing a mostly NHL roster against the Sabres.

Monahan will center a line with Boone Jenner on his left and Kirill Marchenko on his right.

Here was how the lines looked at the morning skate.

Monahan Excited to Play With His Linemates Monahan has done nothing but put in practice since Training Camp started.

From the outset, hes centered Jenner and Marchenko.

Hes excited to finally get his chance in a game.

Im excited to get some reps in, Monahan said.

I feel like its been a lot of practices.

Im excited to play.

Monahan has spent the time in practice learning about his linemates and their style.

They each bring a little something different to the table.

With Jenner, there is some similarity in the way they play.

Hes a smart player, Monahan said of Jenner.

Hes harder on the net and strong in the faceoff circle.

He thinks the game at a high level and competes really hard.

On the other side is Marchenko, who brings energy and pace.

Monahan believes he fits well on the line as someone who can create plays and finish.

He brings energy.

He can shoot the puck.

Hes skilled, Monahan said of Marchenko.

He wants the pucks and wants to make plays.

So I think anytime youre playing with a guy like that, it brings a sense of energy and excitement every time you jump over the boards.

That excitement for Monahan carries over to the rest of the team.

Now that hes had an up close look at his teammates especially the depth on center, he believes they will be capable of scoring goals.

I think its a lot of smart players.

Weve got enough offensive talent where I think were going to be able to score goals.

I think we got to push each other down the middle to be consistent every night and play both ends of the puck.

When youre doing that, you have a good chance every night.

Monahan Brings Leadership to Room Head coach Dean Evason has spent his time with the Blue Jackets getting to know his players.

He came in with a fresh mindset not wanting to know too much about them.

He wanted to learn on his own.

So far with Monahan, its clear what Evason has seen in the veteran.

Leadership, Evason said of Monahan.

Pro.

Conducts himself with great maturity.

(Im) really looking forward to his game tonight.

Hes skated with Boone and (Marchenko) for all of camp.

So looking forward to seeing that chemistry continue to grow.

On top of being on the top line Saturday night, Monahan will play on the first power play unit.

He was joined by Jenner, Chinakhov, Johnson and Werenski.

The second unit consisted of Voronkov, Marchenko, Fantilli, van Riemsdyk and a combination of Severson/Provorov.

You Might Also Like Monahan has liked what has transpired in this training camp so far, echoing what many other players have already said about an Evason camp.

Its been a lot of fun, Monahan said of Evasons camp and practices.

(Theres) a lot of good energy and its a great pace out there.

First and foremost, hes a great person.

He keep the rink a fun place to be at.

Its good structure.

I like the way he thinks the game so its an exciting opportunity here for the group we have.

Sean Monahan will make his #CBJ debut tonight.

pic.twitter.com/Ki5pxNFy2b Evason said that they try to get players three preseason games.

With that, Monahan should get two of the remaining four preseason games after Saturday.

If the early going is any indication, he seems to be settling in by the day to Columbus and with the Blue Jackets.

Monahan will get his first taste of the Cannon on Saturday night and fans will get their first look at him in a Blue Jackets sweater.

As for the Cannon, I havent had that yet.

Yes, Im looking forward to that.

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