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Likely candidates to lead Blue Jackets in scoring

Columbus Blue Jackets v Dallas Stars

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 29: John Moore #4, Antoine Vermette #50, Vaclav Prospal #22 and Mark Letestu #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate a goal against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on December 29, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez

Whether the Columbus Blue Jackets are a better team with or without Rick Nash, someone else will be the team’s leading scorer in 2012-13.

So who might that be? Let’s take a look at the most likely candidates.

Vinny Prospal - The veteran forward was neck-and-neck with Nash most of last season before falling five points behind for the team lead.

Brandon Dubinsky - He’s arguably the gem of the trade that sent Nash to New York; could a resurgence be in order?

R.J. Umberger - Umberger has generated four consecutive 20+ goal seasons and is a year removed from scoring 57 points - strong on a team full of “second-liners.”

Ryan Johansen - Could the team’s hottest offensive prospect be primed for a big leap?

Derick Brassard - Another Columbus first-rounder with a lot of room for improvement (and solid potential).

James Wisniewski or Jack Johnson - The Blue Jackets sport two defensemen who could be described as offensive catalysts. It’s far from unprecedented for a blueliner to lead a low-scoring team in points.

Artem Anisimov - Gun salutes seem like a natural fit for a franchise that fires a cannon after goals, right?

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Offseason report