Team: 2022-23 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 21, 2022

Published: Dec. 21, 2022

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Not setting the lineup so ignore that

Item 1: Gavrikov
I think priority 1 should be an extension. Gavrikov has taken Chinakhov, Marchenko and Tarasov under his wing and I think this could be important to their long term success as pros here in the US. Malkin had Gonchar. Datsyuk had Larionov. Ovechkin had Zubrus. These guys need Gavrikov. They're always spotted in a group cruising around Columbus. Side note: A family friend lived on the same floor as Gavi in his condo complex downtown and they'd walk dogs often. Gavi and his wife both love Columbus and cited how they're not big city people. They appreciate Columbus for what it is. I would hate to take away the team dad and ot hero..... however there's a real chance he is the top deadline acquisition at D.

If no extension in place he goes to the highest bidder. I think Edmonton would make sense there

Item 2 Nyquist:
Same situation with Gavrikov, great guy. I'd rather have Nyquist than Robinson in the middle 6. I could see an extension happening at a lower number but if not extension he goes to the highest bidder. I think 3 x 3 would make sense if he sticks around.

Item 3: Bemstrom
I want to bring him up because he should be instantly claimed at this point. If he's brought up and sent down somebody is going to jump, he's to productive in the AHL to not take a flyer. With Chinakhov maybe missing the entire season I think giving him a shot on a scoring line and some pp time would make sense. He could just dominate in the AHL for the whole year or he could be flipped for another struggling player. All options are good. Safe to say I don't think he comes up unless the plan is to finish the season here.

Item 4: Starting Goalie
I think Tarasov is "that guy". He's got a great cap hit the next 3 years. Who cares if Elvis becomes an overpaid backup for the next 3 years. There's only 6.5 million being spent on the goalies. That seems reasonable. Nobody will take that contract right now so hopefully Elvis can turn it around. Korpi is out after this season, I could see him being traded for a 7th round pick or 6th to a team looking to keep a decent 3rd goalie. Just like how the jackets brought in Keith Kinkaid a few years back.

Item 5: Larsen
I don't think anything happens until the off-season. I honestly believe that he will get another shot because of all these injuries.

Item 6: Jiricek
He might get a look for a few games on the top d pair but I don't expect him to play more than a handful of games until next season

Item 7: Voracek
Any big moves are going to depend on his status. If he's on LTIR for the next 2 years Jarmo could weaponize cap for picks. I don't think any big trades involving futures would happen until the draft/offseason but who knows. Maybe another FA, time will tell. That being said I hope he's healthy I love Jake

*EDIT* When talking about weaponizing cap I was referring to helping rentals get from point A to point B. Like Maybe eat part of Kane's hit this year for a later pick to get a deal across the line. Nothing long term.

Lastly, I don't want to look any further into the future than this. A couple wins could be the difference between a franchise altering player and a pretty good prospect. Could pick first could pick 8th. This team is going to struggle until people get healthy. The future is bright but this season is a wash already. I wish for entertaining high scoring games and regulation losses

Let's see how things shake out after the deadline

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