With the NHL hitting pause for a 19-day break during the Winter Olympics - a window that gives players like Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins a chance to represent their countries on the world stage - it’s a perfect time to shift our focus a little south on I-71. While the Blue Jackets catch their breath, the Cleveland Monsters are still very much in the thick of their season, and there’s plenty to unpack from what’s been a competitive campaign so far.
The Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Blue Jackets, are sitting at 23-15-7 through 45 games - good enough to be tied for third in the North Division. That puts them comfortably in the playoff picture for now, with 27 games left on the schedule and a lot of hockey still to be played.
The standings are tight, and in the AHL’s 23-team postseason format, every point matters. Momentum in February can mean everything come April.
The team is led by head coach Trent Vogelhuber, now in his fourth season at the helm and eighth overall behind the bench. Vogelhuber, a former Blue Jackets draft pick himself, has quietly built a reputation as a steady hand and a strong developmental coach. While there’s no indication that Columbus is looking to make a change behind their own bench anytime soon, Vogelhuber’s name is one to keep in mind for the future - especially as the organization continues to prioritize internal development at both the player and coaching levels.
The Monsters are about to take a brief break of their own with the AHL All-Star festivities coming up on February 10th and 11th. It’s not quite the Olympic-sized hiatus the NHL is enjoying, but it’s a welcome pause for most of the roster - with one notable exception who’ll be heading to the All-Star event (we’ll get to him in a later piece).
For now, let’s zero in on the forward group - a unit that’s not only been productive but also packed with players who could be knocking on the NHL door sooner rather than later.
A Forward Group Built on Experience and Potential
What stands out most about this Monsters forward corps is the depth of experience - not just AHL veterans, but players with NHL contracts and real potential to contribute in Columbus down the line.
Several of these forwards are former Blue Jackets draft picks, and that familiarity with the organization’s systems and expectations is paying dividends. These aren’t just prospects logging minutes - they’re playing meaningful roles, whether it’s driving offense, killing penalties, or wearing letters on their jerseys.
You’ve got a mix of skill, grit, and hockey IQ up front. Some of these players have already had brief stints in the NHL, while others are pushing hard to make their case. That internal competition is exactly what you want in a development pipeline - guys pushing each other, knowing that the next call-up could be one good weekend away.
And it’s not just about individual talent. The Monsters’ forward group has shown strong chemistry, particularly in how they’ve adapted to different line combinations throughout the season. Injuries, call-ups, and the natural grind of a long AHL season have forced Vogelhuber to shuffle the deck more than once, but the group has responded well, keeping the offense rolling and staying structurally sound in their own zone.
There’s also a noticeable edge to the way this team plays. They forecheck hard, they don’t back down from physical battles, and they’ve shown they can win the tight, low-scoring games just as well as the high-flying ones. That versatility is going to be key down the stretch, especially as the playoff race tightens and every game starts to feel like a postseason preview.
What’s Next
We’ll take a closer look at the defensemen and goaltenders in upcoming breakdowns, but for now, the Monsters’ forward group deserves a spotlight. They’re not just holding their own - they’re helping set the tone for a team that’s very much in the playoff mix and developing talent that could shape the Blue Jackets’ future.
With the NHL on pause and the AHL All-Star break around the corner, now’s a great time to keep tabs on what’s brewing in Cleveland. Because if you’re a Blue Jackets fan, chances are you’ll be seeing some of these names at Nationwide Arena before too long.