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Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 steps to become contenders

By Nic Hendrickson

Apr 9, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (34) celebrates his short-handed goal with center Boone Jenner (38) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Blue Jackets beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (34) celebrates his short-handed goal with center Boone Jenner (38) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Blue Jackets beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Blue Jackets need to invest wisely in free agency

There are a few decent names making their way into free agency in the off-season. The likes of T.J. Oshie, Alexander Radulov, Jaromir Jagr, and Thomas Vanek should all be on the shortlist of forwards for the Blue Jackets. While the Canadiens are likely to re-sign Radulov, and Oshie might just be out of monetary reach of the Blue Jackets, they are all names that need to be considered if this organization really wants to take the next step.

In regards to Oshie, the biggest obstacle might very well be his salary demands. It might very well be a prudent decision to let the likes of Quincey, Gagner, and Lauri Korpikoski walk away in free agency to make a run for the likes of Oshie. Despite the fact that Oshie will turn 31 during the 2017-18 season, his 33 goals this season is hard to ignore for a team that lacks a true goalscorer. If the Blue Jackets can convince Oshie to buy into the system that they have in place, and make the salary demands achievable, Oshie would be a fantastic addition to make the Jackets a scary team going into next season.

Radulov is another name that would be more than welcomed in Columbus. While it is likely that the Habs will try to re-sign him, his ability to produce and his physical play style make him an enticing target for the Blue Jackets. Much like Oshie, however, his salary demands are likely to be a road block the organization won’t be able to overcome in possibly pursuing Radulov.

Jaromir Jagr, while obviously just being a one-season rental option, would add scoring ability to the Blue Jackets. On top of that, Jagr would add invaluable experience and a strong voice in the locker room that could pay dividends well after he would depart. Having a voice of experience and reason like that to mentor players like Bjorkstrand, Sonny Milano, and others would help them immensely. While unlikely, this could be a move that would show some serious intent on the part of the management in Columbus.

The most likely of the four to pull on a Blue Jackets sweater next season would be that of Thomas Vanek. Despite his ability to be a reliable NHLer with the Buffalo Sabres, Vanek has found himself to be a bit of a journeyman in the last four seasons.

Making appearances in New York with the Islanders, Montreal, Minnesota, Detroit, and Florida, Vanek has consistently been producing as a bottom six forward in the latter years of his career. Because of this he is the most achievable target within the current cap space picture. A seasoned head with the ability to add some offense to the bottom six could very well prove to be an invaluable addition to a young Columbus Blue Jackets roster.

The future is bright

While stating the fact that the future is bright is a statement as old as hockey itself, it’s ringing true in Columbus. With the youngest roster in the NHL, and almost no big names departing this off-season, 2017-18 could be the year of the Buckeye. Sleep on the Blue Jackets at your own peril.

All cap information and averages courtesy of CapFriendly, and all stats and analytics courtesy of Corsica.hockey

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