Nathan Horton on linemates Johansen, Jenner: 'These two guys are going to be superstars'

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been on fire since prized summer free-agent acquisition Nathan Horton returned to the lineup following offseason shoulder surgery. 

Since he began to suit up for the Blue Jackets in January, Horton has been all but joined at the hip with impressive Blue Jackets rookie Boone Jenner. More recently, Jenner and Horton have skated on a line with Ryan Johansen and that line has developed instant chemistry.

On Wednesday, Horton heaped praise on his two young line-mates and predicted that they'd accomplish big things in their respective NHL careers:

While Horton may have to be patient if he hopes to see Johansen and Jenner morph into widely acclaimed superstars, they're already extraordinarily useful NHL forwards. Horton has spent nearly 150 minutes at even-strength playing alongside Jenner this season, and the Blue Jackets have controlled shot attempts at a rate above 57% with those two on the ice together. That's an extraordinary mark.

Meanwhile since Jenner and Horton began flanking Johansen regularly, the Blue Jackets have outscored opponents 3-0 at even-strength in those minutes. They've also combined to manufacture some relatively attractive goals: 

If Johansen and Jenner can sustain the level of performance they have over the past month, the Blue Jackets won't just qualify for the postseason: they'll legitimately prove a formidable out.

Stats courtesy hockeyanalysis.com.