Post-Lottery Plan

Team: 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: May 10, 2023

Published: May 10, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

CBJ Draft Carlsson at 3OA. He plays in the SHL for one more year before coming over with a little seasoning on him.

Still leaves room for #34, the '24 2nd and Peeke to be moved or added in a deal to boost some value. These assets can also theoretically be used to move Gudbranson but I don't know that Jarmo is ready to do move a signed UFA that quickly. If there's a defenseman to be acquired in UFA, or with the above assets, Forbot can slide down to the 3rd pair and be a low 5v5 TOI but high volume PKer.

I'm not confident Backlund moves and if he moves that he comes here. That pick, + some of the low in the lineup Torts style forwards, could be used to get Hayes, though that leaves us still poor defensively. Backlund helps Tex + Chinakhov (or maybe Marchenko) get used to playing in a matchup role. He can be resigned if he likes the fit or can go as Carlsson and Sillinger push for roster space. He can also play up this year if Laine, KJ or Schmaltz can't play C, or as an additional option to move Jenner to wing.

I don't mind CBJ spending Backlund assets+ (both 2nds most likely) to get Kuznetzov, at no retention, either. I question his locker room dynamic as Jarmo really values positive locker room interactions. He then would push Jenner down (ideally to a matchup 3rd) or to the side and let people slide into better matchups. I think the 1st is still better spent on Schmaltz. I am not sure Hayes is still on the table with the new GM but he can be a fallback since it seems like he'll still be moving somewhere.

Looking at Orlov, Soucy in FA. I really like Graves and Gavvy but have to think their playoff performances mean their contracts' length are still not to Jarmo's liking. Timmins and Forbot were targeted because they were aggressive entry defenders and should help to enhance the puck retrievers they are paired with. Blankenburg should fit here if he can remain healthy and continue developing. Any UFA or trade target should move toward that purpose.

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