Équipe: 2022-23 Blue Jackets de Columbus

Date de création initiale: 17 janv. 2022

Publié: 17 janv. 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Columbus has a problem. They are too good to tank but only have an outside shot at the playoffs. They also have possibly 2 lottery picks this year (based on how the standings look at the moment) and a solid prospect pool. With the right moves, the Blue Jackets can create a playoff contender, and with the right development of their prospects, could become a contender again.

First, we need to sign the RFA's:

Laine wants a pay raise, so give him a contract that is solidly priced but will take him to free agency. The same goes for Roslovic (who will command significantly less money)

Carlsson and Boqvist can both be bridged pretty easily and the rest should be cheap

The first need, a proper backup goalie. I'm not sure if Tarasov is ready for full-time duty, still, training camp will determine that so let's get a 3G just in case. Keith Kinkaid is a solid if aging extra option.

Columbus does not need to go big game hunting at this point but they have cap space. But I want to make them a playoff team in a changing Metro. Alex Barabanov is emerging as a solid middle-six option who shouldn't be too pricy on the open market.

If players keep developing, Columbus could become a scary team in the Metro soon but Columbus has a decent amount of cap space, a prospect pool with intriguing players and does not need rebuild (rather a retool) to return to competative status