If Lindholm agrees to extend in Columbus ... Gudbranson heads back to offset the cap hit, and replace Tanev on the blueline, if he has going back to Calgary on his OK list on his M-NTC. He would be affordable, once all of these veterans who want out are gone.

The Bluejackets are trying to get into the playoffs and start competing now. Reuniting Gaudreau with Lindholm, at this point, might be logical.. they draft Leo Carlsson with 3rd overall, and run with Lindholm, Carlsson and Sillinger as 1-2-3C (down the road, probably Jenner still at this point) ... not looking too bad.

Tanev can re-sign there on account of it works for this trade proposal, for 2-3 years, if Columbus feels like he'd be the right veteran presence and can part with Boqvist/Blankenburg to make room for him? 2-3 years of Tanev at a $4m or so cap hit could potentially work if guys like Marchenko, Sillinger and Chinakov are bridged at reasonably low cap hits for 2 years..

Johnson and the D prospect Ceulemans is the price for a long term Lindholm addition with the invaluable presence of Tanev on the blueline too, and taking back the mistake of a contract handed out to Erik G.

Sure, the Jackets would have to do some cap work for the following season, like probably trading Roslovic and/or another D-man, but it can be done!

There's just no way Jarmo moves Johnson. He's going to be a top line player in the very close future, and all his RFA years are simply too valuable to the jackets.
Sub in Sillinger, and maybe jarmo starts listening but Johnson would be a deal breaker right away.

As much as Columbus might like LIndholm, I don't see a deal between these two teams working.

CBJ's next year pick is too valuable to trade, and Calgary wants an asset back that can at least have Lindholm's ceiling.

In the end, Lindholm will force his way out of Calgary, and Columbus will probably get outbid... by a team that's more willing to trade a next year 1st or by a team in the 11-15 range this draft, maybe a little lower.

Kent Johnson is a dealbreaker, he aint going anywhere.

Cheers for the feedback mates!