After swinging for the fences at the trade deadline last season -- acquiring Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel and not trading pending free agents Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky -- the Columbus Blue Jackets saw a lot of talent walk out the door this summer. But, Seth Jones and Zach Werenski remain part of an intriguing group. Here's everything you need to know about the Blue Jackets heading into the 2019-20 NHL season:
The big question: Was it all worth it?
By now you've heard ad nauseam about how the Blue Jackets decided to go all-in and mortgaged a bit of their future to do it. Now it's the aftermath. Yes, the Blue Jackets lost Panarin and Bobrovsky (as expected), and no, Duchene didn't re-sign. But it's not total doom and gloom on this roster. There is enough depth to keep this team competitive and maybe even shock some people.
Offseason comings and goings, cap situation
The list of departures is significant. Besides Bobrovsky and Panarin -- the team's two most talented players over the past few years -- the Blue Jackets said goodbye to the guys they acquired at the trade deadline to win in last year's playoffs: Duchene, Ryan Dzingel, Keith Kinkaid and Adam McQuaid.
The big free-agent addition is Gustav Nyquist, who upgrades the talent on the second line. The team has $11.6 million in cap space, which is why Jarmo Kekäläinen was one of the GMs who at least explored the idea of offer sheets this summer.
Bold prediction
Scoring won't be as big of an issue as we think. Depth scoring was a huge issue the past few seasons, but there are plenty of forwards on this roster capable of stepping up; the fact that the rest of the league is skeptical of the Blue Jackets in the post-Panarin era might just be the motivation those guys need.
Breakout candidate: Alexandre Texier
We got a glimpse of the young French forward last year in the playoffs; he's raw, but has exciting promise. Texier scored three points in eight games. At age 20, Texier will get a big opportunity to shine when he takes Panarin's spot on the top line.
Biggest strength
Two ascending stars on defense in Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. One of the reasons we believe the Blue Jackets are going to be OK through all of the turnover? These young studs on defense, who are the constant. They are true top-pairing defenders; both are under the age of 24 and are now signed through 2021-22.
Biggest weakness
Goaltending. Mainly that it's a complete unknown. The Blue Jackets are going to rely on the tandem of Joonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins to replace Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner. Korpisalo, 25, hasn't inspired a ton of confidence in four seasons as Bobrovsky's backup. He'll get the initial nod over Merzlikins, who is still adjusting to North American rinks.
Blue Jackets in NHL Rank
31. Seth Jones, D
Future Power Ranking: 20
Things aren't entirely bleak for the Blue Jackets, as they landed in the No. 5 spot for cap/contracts and No. 12 for owner/GM/coach. However, after trading away so many futures, their prospect pool (No. 22) and NHL roster (No. 23) leave something to be desired.
Prospect perspective
Pipeline ranking: 20
46. Alexandre Texier, C
47. Emil Bemstrom, RW
65. Liam Foudy, LW
Honorable mention. Elvis Merzlikins, G
Fantasy facts to know
This is not the same offense or defense after Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene and Sergei Bobrovsky walked in the offseason. Although there are still assets for the fantasy game, it's hard to be as bullish on them as we were one year ago. We want Seth Jones and Zach Werenski on the blue line, and Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson on offense, but you are throwing darts after they are off the board.
The exodus of talent should also causes us to press pause on the emergence of some talented youngsters throughout the Jackets core. If the team had improved during the offseason, we would be wondering about the prospects of considering Oliver Bjorkstrand or Alexandre Texier for some kind of offensive breakout. But it's hard to get too excited before we see the line combinations.
Can Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner and Josh Anderson still be a factor? Jenner and Anderson combined for points on 17 goals last season, which is exceptional as third lines go (Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl had the same total). But was it the distraction up the depth chart in the form of Artemi Panarin, and later Matt Duchene, and the confidence in their goaltender that allowed them to flourish as a third line?
-- Sean Allen