u guys got him for cheap too, good bridge deal, funny how u pay gudbrason 4M with term and peeke takes that offer

Experience matters. A lot.

Aside from that, I like this lineup because it gives the CBJ an elite playmaker on each of the top three lines. Obviously Johnson is unproven in the NHL, but if you've seen him play you can make a pretty safe bet that he's going to be a star.

its a horrible contract for a guy whos always injured, u cant justify it sorry.

You pretty easily can justify it. Not all decisions are made in vacuum. Circumstance matters. Gudbranson is really, really good at being physical and defensive, and that is exactly what this team was lacking last year. Combine that with his character in the room and he's worth the price. With another year of growth from the younger players, this team is going to surprise all the skeptics this year.

you can easily try to justify it, doesnt make it right tho, 31 teams would agree thats a horrible deal with wayy too much term

Lol, okay. Who's your source?

4mx4 years to a 3rd pair dmen that plays 50-60 games a year isnt a good deal no matter how you try to look at it, you guys gave away a legit player who had alot of skill just to sign a old vet who cant stay healthy for 1.25M less. bad asset management, anyone with half a brain would agree

Bjorkstrand was okay. He didn't drive play and his offense was inconsistent. I'm sure he'll do fine in Seattle, but he's just a secondary piece, of which this team has plenty of and more coming in Marchenko, Chinakov, Sillinger etc. Again. Decisions aren't made in a vacuum. They are building a team here, not just a collection of good players.

He might of been inconsistent I don’t really follow him. but he’s a very solid player. His TK vs giveaway are extremely similar to nylander who’s a star.

Bjorkstrand was one of the Jackets best defensive coverage forward, and on a terribly defensive team... he got traded. And somehow managed the worst +/- while being one of the best defensive forwards on the team, not sure how that turned about. I feel though that was the only deal Jarmo could do to get pieces back and not have to give up more away if he say traded Nyquist instead. I hope Bjorkstrand thrives in Seattle, he was loyal here and underrated since he was here. I could see him and Beniers being good for their future, maybe 60+ point seasons for both of them this year.
Gudbranson was a helping hand in Johnny coming here so I can ignore the contract. And if he's hurt LTIR, or the cap is projected to rise

I would argue with the depth the Jackets have at defense they wouldn’t be relying on Gudbranson to play 82+ games a season. You can hate the deal but if it brings the results then what of it? Truly this season hinges on if the defense continues to grow and the goaltending becomes more consistent. If so, this team may be a load to deal with.

Had a good TO diff because he doesn't give the puck away. He had a pretty good shot too, but aside from that he was just okay. Average skating, not able to make plays aside from the odd one here and there. He did have some big moments for the CBJ, he worked hard and re-signed there long-term, so I get why he will be missed, but he is also easily replaceable. The money had to go. They have guys who can score and make plays now, they needed someone who hits people.