Team: 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: May 15, 2023

Published: May 15, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I want to be clear, I don't believe Mitch Marner will come to Columbus. I don't even think he leaves Toronto. There's just no way for them to win a deal where they trade a player of his caliber.

Johnny Gaudreau would have to leave Columbus in order to have the roster and cap space to accomodate Mitch Marner. Johnny is a big ticket UFA that just signed. He'd obviously have to go to a place that he would want to play (especially considering his NMC), probably NJ because I doubt Philly is going for these types of moves. Either way, this probably wouldn't be a good look for Columbus considering they are just starting to turn the corner for UFA's finding it a desirable place.

You can quibble with other pieces if you want but this is the main structure that would be required for Marner to Columbus. Columbus would also have to be sure he wants to stay long term. He already, reportedly, rejected a contract offer when he was an RFA and he'll have an active NMC that walks him to UFA. Marner is under no obligation to give Jarmo any certainty, especially a year before he can even sign an extension. Columbus would be very interested in getting Marner as he'd be a better pair with Laine than Gaudreau. He would make the powerplay more dangerous as a righty passing option as well.

Minor Piece Discussion:

I think there's room to shuffle defenseman and goalie cap hits around. I don't know that Toronto wants any of CBJ's rostered defensemen. NJ could want someone to replace Severson if they believe adding Nemec and Hughes to their roster in 1 season is too much. CBJ would be interested in Brodie, Liljegren or Timmins. Would be interested in moving Boqvist, Peeke. Can't imagine Toronto wants to move or receive any of those. I assume they re-sign Schenn to pair with Reilly.

Can't see Boone Jenner getting traded (I have his jersey and he's our only rostered Center) but I think Zach Werenski would step up and be a great C if he was. If that's the piece for CBJ to get Mitch, with future extension interest, it probably happens.

CBJ is definitely interested in moving 1/2 retained Roslovic but I don't know that he has a place for Toronto or NJ. He would theoretically pair with Matthews or Tavares well, but not as good as Bratt or even Nylander.

1.

2.