One free agent every NHL team should sign this offseason

By C.L. Kohuss | May 22, 2018

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 18: Patrick Maroon #17 of the New Jersey Devils heads out to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 05: New Jersey Devils right wing Michael Grabner (40) skates during the first period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 5, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Columbus Blue Jackets: Michael Grabner, Right Wing

The Blue Jackets probably won’t open the wallet for a huge name. Matt Calvert is a free agent and possibly gone after coach John Tortorella likened him to a toilet seat. They also have to decide what to do with 31-year-old defenseman Jack Johnson who’s an unrestricted free agent and made just over $4 million. If he’s not resigned for around the same amount (likely won’t be), Columbus is dealing with $19 million in salary room and a few areas in need, like left wing and the backup goaltender spot.

It could also use help on special teams. It finished 27^th on the penalty kill and 25^th on the powerplay. The Blue Jackets were middle of the pack at 17^th in total goals for. Scoring depth has to get better. They did take the Washington Capitals to six games in the postseason so long-term success isn’t far off.

Michael Grabner can put up quality points as a depth forward, and after being traded to the New Jersey Devils and not producing as expected, he won’t bust the pocketbook. Still, he scored 27 goals this past season and the year before, so he could slot in on a wing and give Columbus some nice help for a likely range of $2 million to $3 million a season. Not bad for a team that will have to pay Artemi Panarin a hefty salary come 2019. They also have plenty of guys locked up with decent contracts, so the Blue Jackets believe in what they’re building. Grabner also offers speed and will help improve a penalty kill that was dreadful in the postseason at 66.7 percent. Columbus needs more, but this would be a good signing with the potential for a high reward versus a very low risk.

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