Bigger on the Left Side

Équipe: 2023-24 Blue Jackets de Columbus

Date de création initiale: 26 avr. 2023

Publié: 26 avr. 2023

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

It's a lot of money to throw into the defense, but I believe it's necessary. Pettersson and Graves would transform this defense into a truly physically imposing force. Ice time can be split in the bottom 2 pairings and they can all carousel around the line up. Loading up the left side will give Mateychuk a chance to develop in the AHL for a couple years.

If Pettersson isn't available, I would throw money into 2 years of Niko Mikkola.

Also, let's face it: Werenski will block another shot with his face or some improbable nonsense injury will knock him out of the line up for awhile at some point in the next two years. Pettersson and Graves can both handle that responsibility.

In terms of development, Jiricek is ready. But it's difficult to figure who leaves on the right side to make room. It's too early to trade or buy out Gudbranson, optically at least. Boqvist has that sweet, sweet team control on a good contract and incredible potential. Peeke has a really nice contract for a shutdown RHD who can stay healthy all year and can really be a rock for Werenski to rely on on his right side. I would say that Bovist is probably the guy to go in favor of Jiricek, but his trade value is really low due to his inability to stay healthy. But who knows, a new HC who knows what strength and conditioning means could change that

Blankenberg Forever.

Danforth - Voronkov - Chinakhov for a couple months in the A to get Voronkov ready to step into the big league. All three can get the call up as soon as injuries start. Dolzhenkov isn't available to sign an ELC until next year or else he would be in the line. I would name that line "turn your head and 'kov", but there's always next year.

To anyone that says "We need money to re-sign all our young guys": $8.3 million plus a real cap increase (which is inevitably coming soon), moving on from Gudranson in favor of Jiricek in '24, and some minor "prove it" contracts expiring will get it done. Jarmo loves his bridge deals.

Pick #2: Either Leo Carlsson or Adam Fantilli. I personally love what both can bring to the table and as a guy who loves Power Forward play I would take Fantilli. But I really like Carlsson's game and puck handling skills. He's also slightly bigger than Fantilli.

Pick #25(?): The Kings pick could be spent on an immediate upgrade in the Top 6 or another D-, but I want Kasper Halttunen and I want him bad. A big, skilled winger could be helpful to shadow a guy like Dumais in development. In 3 years he's going to be a serious handful to remove from in front of the net. I mean the kid's 17 and already 6'3" 207. He also has an incredible shot.

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