Big changes

Team: 2018-19 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: Apr. 24, 2018

Published: Apr. 24, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Didn’t trade Bobrovsky because in this case it looks like there’s jusssstttt enough money to go around even with extensions the following year.

Here's the logic on the Savard deal. Klefbom, by all accounts is available. Edmonton could still use a top 4 RHD with a reasonable cap hit. I've seen a lot of winger talk for Klef, so added Thurkauf who finished his AHL rookie campaign strong as has solid potential as both a winger and center, adding versatility. Klefbom is the younger player and has a longer contract hence CBJ adding on picks as well. I do think playing him hurt cost his stock which is why I don't think CBJ will move the earth, moon and sun for another d man. Savard has been decent, but he's not the fastest guy and he has a knack for boneheaded penalties at times. I don't think the current defensive core will get it done, and when looking at possibilities to move, despite being a RHD he's the most movable option who wasn't critical to blueline success. Murray and Nutivaara were our best pair in the playoffs, and Jones and Werenski are the cornerstones of the future. Leaves Carlsson, Savard, Kukan as remaining options. And in a league where speed and discipline is paramount, Savvy would be my odd man out.

Hoffman deal: Was told previously that there'd need to be a first round pick involved for something like this to happen... well here it is. Conditions added to picks to protect both teams from getting fleeced. Friendly reminder that Milano is 2nd in the NHL in goals/60 for all players with 50 or more games played. He's talented, but the fit in Columbus doesn't seem to be there as Torts is unable to trust him and he does make mistakes in puck management. Hoffman is a top end sniper, but with Ottawa seeming to take the 3-5 year contending route, I'm not certain why they'd keep him around and waste his prime, only to extend him once he's on the back half of his career. Hoffman with Wennberg and Bjorkstrand would be a delight to watch for sure. Could even swap Anderson and Bjorkstrand to see a 2nd line with some more bite, and a skilled 3rd line. Jenner is a guy who i've warmed up to recently, but it's a tough fit contractually and you can't win on 3rd or push 2nd liners forever. I know management loves him for his attitude and leadership, but to make the team better, sacrifices have to be made.

Dubinsky deal: Cuts CBJ salary expenses, gets NYR a fan favorite to mentor the young guys and possibly bounce back to 35-40 point form. He'd still be overpaid obviously, but if I was NYR I'd rather pay Dubinsky more money to possibly get some value out of the contract compared to Brendan Smith who has been in the AHL for months now and flamed out there too with his fighting injury at practice. NYR looks like they have plenty of Cap space right now too, and this would help improve their lack of any center depth while shipping a problem in Smith out.

Derek Ryan signing... had an internal debate with myself as to what good 4th line centers were on the free agent market. Looked at guys like Jay Beagle, Kyle Brodziak, Riley Nash, and the like. Ryan produces a lot of offense for what would be tabbed as a 4c. He's a good skater and is solid in faceoffs. He can also play PK and PP which is ideal.

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