Gotta figure out this cap situation

Team: 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 16, 2023

Published: Jun. 16, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

1. I think Oliver comes back on a 1-Way. I think Fix-Wolanksy, Foudy and Bemstrom will all be prone to waiver claims. To me the odd man out in all of this is Robinson. He caps out as a mediocre 3rd line guy. He's a UFA next year. He has a great cap hit and could help out another team.

2. Logjam at defense. Why would any additional changes need to be made at this point? Unless they really want to shed cap? Blankenburg can be sent down. Jiricek doesn't need to start unless he earns it. With those in mind that puts the Jackets at 7 NHL defenseman and a stacked Cleveland team. Great for development and definitely a step forward in the NHL from last season. People will get hurt and guys can be called up. It'll be really interesting to see which defender spends the most time in the press box. There are guys here that can be used as trade pieces if necessary, Peeke, Boqvist, whoever. But why not wait and see who makes an impact?

3. Center position. If the Jackets pick Carlsson/Fantilli they should have a clear cut top 6/ #1 option by next year.. but what about this year? Roslovic will be on his way out after this season unless he's willing to take a pay cut. That's 4 mil off the books. Texier might get a shot at center, Voronkov might get a shot at center, Johnson might get a shot.. there's a lot of wiggle room here. If the plan is to get that number one guy via the draft I think cap flexibility and waiting will truly be the best option. If something too good to turn down comes up Jarmo will jump all over it but I haven't seen anything like that just yet.

That being said if they're looking for a short-term plug at center, I think ROR and Monahan should be the ones getting a look. Keep the assets, get a smaller cap hit than Hayes and both of these guys should be a significant upgrade over Roslovic. But who knows if they'd be interested in coming. Time will tell! I just don't think you can spend up to the cap with this team, it would be so unwise so if a UFA is coming in something is going out.

Side note: I would be willing to trade Sillinger/Boqvist + whatever for a signed Lindholm. Lindholm + Carlsson/Fantilli as a 1-2 punch for the forseeable future would be great but I think it'll be nearly impossible without moving out Laine's contract


I think we're looking at lineup with pretty balanced grit and skill just need players to take the right steps forward and hopefully Elvis gets his act together.