4 Big Questions for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020-21

2. Can Max Domi finally unlock his potential in 2020-21?

It is fair to say that Max Domi probably hasn’t unlocked his full potential yet, showing flashes with both the Arizona Coyotes and the Montreal Canadiens, but never really putting it all together with either franchise.

Granted, there was a 72 point (28 G, 44 A) outburst in the 2018-19 season for the Canadiens but, after things went north in Montreal, Domi was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the offseason before swiftly signing a two-year, $10.6 million contract.

A change of scenery can really benefit some players and Domi will hope that is the case in Columbus, where he’ll likely start the 2020-21 NHL season as the second-line center behind want-away star Pierre-Luc Dubois.

And the Blue Jackets will also need Domi to finally unlock his undoubted potential, given that they are in dire need of star power and a real scoring punch in this lineup.

Domi, who has recorded at least 40 points in each of his last three seasons, can provide just that and he will no doubt be motivated to prove that he’s a legit top-six forward in the NHL, so that will only work in Columbus’ favor too.

Plus, Domi could strike up a lethal partnership with winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, who recently signed a five-year, $27 million contract, and that kind of secondary scoring from the second line is something the Blue Jackets have missed, and it could be the difference between a big postseason run or not.

Oh, and let’s not forget that Domi is also a chip of the old block in that, like his famous dad, Tie Domi, he is built like a featherweight but can sure hit and fight like a heavyweight, which should go down well with his new Head Coach John Tortorella.

Overall, Max Domi has a real opportunity to revive his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and if he can get back to the player that put up over 70 points just two seasons ago, then this could well prove to be a match made in heaven for both sides.