Rumor has it

I like the premise but Nash is being paid too much. Probably around 3.5 to 4 mil per tops. And Bjorkstrand is about 1.5 mil too high. I also think that the Jackets are not going to be able to keep Cole. He wants multi year deal and the Jackets just can’t do it. I think the the Athanasiou trade is pretty good. I wouldn’t move Dubi quite yet. He could still be very productive on the 4th line and wouldn’t cost us Milano, who I believe might break out this year.

Milano is a good player. As for AA, good luck getting him from Detroit. The Penguins tried last year, they were not willing to move him at all. I don't think that has changed.

Gonna take more than the minimum to get Nash, Bjorkie gets more for a longer deal, kind of like Wennberg's contract. Jackets can absolutely do a multi-year deal for Cole. He's not gonna get paid big, but a 3 year deal is not impossible. It takes some risk to make these moves and make the team better, but you have to do it. CBJ tried for way to long to be cautious in free agency. Time to make some noise.



Hoping contract issues last year soured the relationship a little. That, and the fact that they don't know what to do with him or how to play him, maybe they'd be willing to part, But I agree that they may be completely unwilling,

As far as Bjorkstrand, I doubt he is going to go for that type of deal. A bridge deal would likely be better for him. Nash is wanting a multi year deal. We are not going to pay 4+mil for a player who is already 34 years old. That has bad contract written all over it. When it comes to Murray and Cole here some things to think about. One there is the Gavrikov Factor. He is slated to be coming over next year from the KHL. JD and JK believe that he will be in the top 6 defenseman on this team. With that said, second, the terms are crucial. Cole wants long term but with Werenski, Jones, Savard, Nuti, and Kukan there is not much room for anyone else. If having to choose between Murray and Cole, I pick Murray because he is younger and still has team control. Cole to me doesn’t make sense. We already have Gabriel Carlsson to fill in for the beginning of the season for Werenski along with Harrington.

A lot of ifs in your reasoning. Jackets have to do something this offseason. Hoping guys come over from Europe isn't a guarantee either. One year deals and hoping young guys are ready for big roles doesn't cut it. Safe is death, right? I'd rather sign Nash to a mid-range deal over signing someone like JVR for too long and too much money. Signing Cole adds depth, experience, and with a reasonable contract, someone that can be easily traded. Also, don't be surprised if they sign Bjork to a longer deal. Bridge deals aren't a mandatory part of the process. He would absolutely take a longer deal (more guaranteed $$) and if he blossoms into what CBJ think he will, that would be a bargain of a contract, a la Wennberg