CBJ Minimum Roster

I don't see Mateychuk making the roster over Jiricek. I know there are a ton of RHD, but I think Jarmo is bound to move out one or two of them next summer when it's looking like Jiricek is taking a roster spot.

That's a lot of money for Bjork, even on a one-year deal. We'll see. There's a lot of games left to play.

I felt the same about Mateychuk but with a minimum contract at LD that leaves a full roster w 4M in space... what do you think about the rest of it? Trade Bjork as RFA?

As of now, it looks to me like Berni would be re-signed at around 1-1.5m on a 1-2 year deal to play the 3rd LD pair over Mateychuk. Mateychuk is going to be really good, but he needs to play in the AHL first to prove he can produce consistently and hold up against grown men.

I think Bjork can be had on a 1-2 year deal for 1m or maybe slightly more if he plays well the rest of the way, though wouldn't be opposed to trading his rights if someone was really interested.

I'd move Marchenko to his (preferred) left wing.

Move Voracek to LTIR with his lingering concussion symptoms.

Put Kent Johnson in the middle

Roslovic on the right wing.

I'd rather start Blankenburg than Gudbranson if he's healthy.

Scratch Foudy and put Danforth in the lineup.

Re-sign Olivier on a 1 or 2 year deal around 1m to be a healthy scratch.

There is also a decent chance Texier comes back and slots into the middle-6 somewhere.

Personally, I think the Jackets cannot wait for development of Johnson or Sillinger to take over 1C/2C duties.
The problems they are having at scoring/defense are resulting from the middle of the ice, starting at C, as well as D and G position.
Jenner is not getting any younger, Sillinger is in a sophmore slump, and Roslovic is very hit or miss (mostly miss).
It would be a bonus to have Voracek back next year for his puck control and passing skills from the RW position, but that is a big uncertainty.
Foudy and Bemstrom need a scenery change, they just are not going to get any better or advance in Columbus.
With the injuries and upcoming grind of heavy schedule the rest of the way (49 games in 106 days) ...they will finish bottom 5 in the league.
Next year's draft will be deep enough to get an impact player even at #5, so I would expect them to take the best Center with their 1st round pick.
They may need to sign/trade for an experienced two-way center to help with the depth.
Bjork is a pleasant surprise, and it will be interesting to see how the defense develops over the next couple of years.
Don't count out Blankenburg, even undersized, he has a unique vision of the ice and high compete level, so he may stay in the mix for awhile.
Finally, in Goal I just don't think Elvis is the answer long term, they just may have to move on.
He may have been at one time, but the Kivlenieks accident really did mess him up a bit.
He just cannot seem to stand tall when needed in net during those rare close games to give the Jackets a chance.

Voracek is donezo next year?

Roslo not more valuable as 3C?

Gudbranson that bad?