1) Has Jiricek shown enough to make this roster? I'd assume in order to do that he'd need to be a significantly better option than Gudbranson, Peeke, Blankenburg or Bean for the team to consider it. And if he does earn a spot, who gets shuffled out from the blue line?

He's shown enough, but the second point outweighs it for now. One or both of Peeke and Boqvist are most likely to move because RD have value and they're both serviceable NHLers in their own ways. Gudbranson is important to the team off the ice (plus his contract is immovable) and Blanks is waiver eligible, and Bean is a total unknown because he's missed nearly a full calendar year due to injury. Once the logjam clears a bit, Jiricek will be in Columbus.

2) Will the Laine-at-C experiment stick? I think it would be huge for this roster if it works.

He's looked fantastic so far, for what it's worth in preseason. Last night was against what is basically Buffalo's NHL roster (full defense, only missing Tage and Skinner up front, UPL in net)

3) Does Kent Johnson look like he could take the next step this season?

Yes.