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It’s easy to dismiss the hot start of the Columbus Blue Jackets. After a terrible 2015-16 season, they have suddenly become one of the league’s most dominant scoring teams. And featured on the roster is Alexander Wennberg, a promising young star that has helped keep this team afloat in the Metropolitan Division.

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Columbus is home to some of the most promising young talents in all of the NHL, and Wennberg is on the top of that list. Only 22 years of age, the third-year forward has been a key component of the Jackets scoring attack. As a result, Wennberg is starting to gain notoriety across the NHL.

While Wennberg isn’t one of the league leaders in points, he’s among the best in the assists category. With 13 assists, Wennberg has become one of the league’s best at distributing the puck. On pace with some of the league’s best, Wennberg is well on his way to eclipsing his 32 assists from a season ago.

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Wennberg was always seen as a big part of the Blue Jackets future. He was one of the highest rated European skaters in his 2013 Draft class and was selected by Columbus with the 14th overall pick. The optimism was high, especially after the teams 2012 second overall pick, Ryan Murray, suffered a season-ending injury which prevented him from NHL play.

Luckily, Wennberg hasn’t disappointed the Columbus fans or front office. He’s become not only a dominant scorer but a responsible defender as well.

Over his first two seasons, Wennberg was a putrid -20 on the +/- scale. This season has seen him do a complete 180, as he’s now +7 on the year. He’s also become one of the team’s most established power play weapons, recording eight assists with the man advantage.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have a bright future ahead of them. Alexander Wennberg is one of the most important players on the roster. Not only is he making himself better, but his teammates have also benefited. If the Blue Jackets are to have any hope of making the Stanley Cup, Wennberg is going to be a huge part of the charge.

Follow Daniel James Gentile on Twitter @dgentleman9288