What’s Next for the Blue Jackets?

By William Espy

It is no surprise that the Blue Jackets have been disappointing this year to say the least. All is not lost though, while the chances of them making the playoffs are rapidly decreasing it is not impossible if they quickly turn it around. Regardless of how they finish off this season however, changes are going to be necessary in order to keep many of the young players currently on the roster. Players who will need to be resigned by July 1 include the likes of Boone Jenner, Ryan Murray, William Karlsson, Kevin Connauton and Dalton Prout.

Rene Bourque’s expiring $3.33M cap hit will be a major point of cap relief for the Blue Jackets, however this will likely only be enough to resign a single player or possibly two. It is very likely that one of the pending RFA defensemen will be dealt, however it comes down to whether the team is going to keep Prout or Connauton if they keep either one. Another possible solution if neither are kept would be recalling Michael Paliotta or another prospect defenseman which would probably be Oleg Yevenko, Zachary Werenski or Dean Kukan and play them beside Cody Goloubef who has been arguably one of the Jackets’ best blue liners this year. Ryan Murray is likely to receive a low money, short term bridge contract around $2.5M for 3 years.

The next issue revolves around forwards. Extending Boone Jenner is a top priority for Jarmo Kekalainen as he continues a greatly impressive breakout season which creates another salary cap issue. The maximum increase for the salary cap is projected to be roughly $3 million, however it is much more likely to be around $1 million and possibly up to 2 which will provide some relief for the Blue Jackets but not much. This will likely cause a player like Matt Calvert or Cam Atkinson to be dealt either at the deadline or the draft with Calvert being the easiest for the Jackets to move. However if both are dealt, it will open up a gap for blooming prospects Oliver Bjorkstrand and Sonny Milano to possibly break into the NHL lineup.

Nothing is for certain and the Blue Jackets future definitely fits this cliche. Fans need to get ready to fasten their seatbelts for the long road ahead this year.