2020 CBJ Please Read Description

Équipe: 2020-21 Blue Jackets de Columbus

Date de création initiale: 25 août 2020

Publié: 25 août 2020

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Hey guys. So basically I'm trying to ask a question about this team: How far away are they/can they contend with this/whatever other phrasing.

My thought is no. I love this team, but if I'm thinking realistically, idk what move could actually make this team a contender. I did some basic resignings and roster management for the offseason, but no trades or anything crazy. Basically tried a rough version of what next year's team would look like without any major offseason moves. Basically my thought is that the next 2 years would be this teams "prime contention window". By that, I mean having a lot of players on ELCs/bargain deals (Tex, Foudy, Jones, Werenski, Bjorkstand, Goalies). The kind of stuff that makes winning a cup much more possible. The issue is, even with the expected improvement form young players and such, even in my optimism I can't see them as a contender and I don't see any moves they could really make to become one. My belief is that this team is a elite player (think Panarin) away from being a legit contender, but there's no chance of acquiring anything close to that.

Basically, I'm just looking for thoughts, from fans of any team. I think depending on the progression of all these young players + development from other teams in the conference, that Columbus is looking like a team who will finish bwtween 85 and the high 90s in points for the next 2 season. Could be a 2nd round exit or miss the playoffs due to the strength of the conference and specifically the metro. Basically my question to anyone reading this is:
a) what do you think this (projected) team's range of outcomes is?
b) is there any chance of them being a true contender in the next 2 years?
c) Is there any possibility of a move they could make to take that step up into that conversation

For reference, my answers are
a) 85-high 90s points with the range of missing the playoffs to a 2nd round exit (depending on the strength of the conference and specifically the metro)
b) I really can't see it
c) Also really can't think of anything even remotely realistic

Appreciate any feedback on this

PS - The specific terms of the contracts I signed in this aren't all that important, I just went for something in the ballpark. My priority here is to hear thoughts of the community.
Thanks