In this series, we take a look at each team and see what they’ve done over the offseason. Next up is the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Key additions: Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood, Isac Lundestrom, Brendan Gaunce, Christian Jaros
The Blue Jackets added some depth up front that they hope will help push them over the edge and return to the playoffs. They also got some key contract extensions done with players such as Ivan Provorov, Dmitry Voronkov and Dante Fabbro.
Key subtractions: Gavin Brindley, James Van Riemsdyk, Justin Danforth, Sean Kuraly, Kevin Labanc, Luke Kunin, Jordan Harris, Jack Johnson
Columbus did have to sacrifice one of their top offensive prospects in Gavin Brindley to bring in Coyle and Wood from Colorado. They also lost a considerable amount of depth pieces throughout the lineup. They are hoping that some of their young core players take another step forward this season to cancel out those losses.
Highest draft pick: Jackson Smith, 14th overall
Salary cap space: $16.3 million
Staff: The Blue Jackets will be running with the same staff next season. Coach Dean Evason took over last season, nearly bringing the club to the postseason in what was a successful first year with the team.
Other: The Jackets don’t appear to have much more on the to do list this summer, but they do have the cap space available if they wish to perform more moves and bolster the club’s playoff chances. Their biggest question mark is the goaltending, with Elvis Merzlinkins remaining as starter.
All transactions available via puck pedia
