By Mark Scheig,The Hockey Writers

Copyright yardbarker

Coyle is a leader but isn’t the vocal type. While some leaders will speak up as any opportunity presents itself, Coyle speaks when necessary but generally allows his play and experience to do the most talking.

Also being able to learn from many great leaders has helped Coyle over the years. They have helped him developed the leadership skills that will help the Blue Jackets this season.

“I think some guys have that personality where it’s probably easier for some. For me, not really honestly. I’m not usually a big vocal guy,” Coyle said. “Again, I’ve tried to work at that the last however many years because usually when you do get older, you got to be the one if things need to be said. You’re kind of in a position now where you know what needs to be said from being around and being through different things. So it’s something I’ve worked at.”

“It definitely helps when you get more comfortable with guys and you start to feel out who’s in what position and what guys like to do that. I’m not here to step on toes. Everyone has a voice. That’s what I’ve gathered from other teams. We’re all in it, right? We’re all on a team. So everyone has a voice. Doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or 20 years in the league. That’s something Zdeno Chara would always say and that was a guy saying that as he was 40 years old. He would always ask for everyone else’s opinion. So I think that those are things that you can pass down that I’ve learned from guys like that, leaders like Chara and beyond. And I think that I can definitely help out.”

Coyle Excited Where Blue Jackets Could Go

To be able to make 13 consecutive postseasons speaks to everything Coyle has overcome and learned in the NHL. He says being on close teams have helped him along the way along with other factors.

Coyle believes the Blue Jackets aren’t far off. They have one important element in their favor at this stage.

“I’m really excited because you want to play postseason,” Coyle said. “Luckily, I haven’t missed postseason at all in my career. And it’s something you always want to shoot for, right? And sometimes you luck out and sometimes you just are part of really good teams that have it and just know you’re going to get there, right? So it’s a mental thing but also you got to put in the work and the time and just getting to know each other off the ice, on the ice. It all plays a part. They always say the closer the team is, the better you’re going to play and that’s something we have to do and continue to do. I know this team. You can sense it already. They have that.”