Just can’t see laine or jones staying.

Torts system is good for defensemen, and Columbus is thin on defensive prospects, so if anyone's staying and getting mammoth deals, it's Jones and Werenski. As for Laine, it looks like both parties want to extend.

I don't like your center depth. If the Jackets don't upgrade that, I don't think Laine stays if they don't fix that. I know there has been contract talks, but if I were him, I'd play out the season to sign a new contract.

I'm actually a Canes fan, not a Jackets one. I will say, however, that Torts and Jarmo are gambling big on Texier becoming a 1C. It's a big if, but if that's successful, that's a huge boost to the trajectory of the center corps. He wouldn't be the only 2nd round draft steal to take off after a shift to center. Our very own Sebastian Aho did the exact same thing in 18-19.

There’s a long list of teams that would give jones a huge offer.

Columbus is not the city you want to live in if you’re making 8 figures.

good point. but still a gamble. if he doesn't perform like a true 1C, if I'm Laine, i'd be hesitant to resign here.

I can a team like the Kings going big on him. Maybe even Florida or the canes. and imagine if the jackets dont make the playoffs, or miss by a wide margin. he could leave.

Could leave? More like 90% chance he leaves.

Imagine him on the kings with Doughty, making 10-11 mill a year, living in LA, compared to living in....Columbus??

I'd prefer Columbus or Raleigh. I like the lower state taxes and the quiet feeling of coming back home with no one to bother me. NY and LA are really fun places to visit, but I could NEVER live there without feeling ripped off or aggravated with the crowds and the backups. A million bucks nets you a lot more in spots like Nashville, Columbus, Raleigh, Dallas, or Tampa. It even makes a difference for someone making $9-10M a year, considering how short athletic careers are. I'm not the guy that's entranced by glitz and glamour outside of short bursts, however, so I may be of a different mindset than the majority of star professional athletes.

yeah but not everyone thinks like that. some players like the lavish life, while others don't. IMO vegas is the best city to live in as an nhler

Unless you're Evander Kane, I 100% agree. Columbus and Raleigh are great spots, though. Don't get fooled by the fact that they aren't technically big cities.