Some key quotes from Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen at today’s end-of-season presser:
On the identity the team has established: “I think the Blue Jackets are well known around the league for the identity that we have, which is hard working, hard to play against, never quit, blue-collar team.”
On the room for growth: “We have the youngest team in the league, and everybody can get better. I’m so excited about the potential that we have there. … We don’t have any guys that are over the hill.”
On Ryan Johansen: “I get goose-bumps thinking about where this guy could go with his career.”
On the closeness of the team: “It’s a great group of guys. It’s really a special group of guys. ... We can take this to the next level. I’m convinced about that.”
On potential for moves this summer: “I think we have to be careful. We want to keep the good chemistry.”