It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the unofficial end of summer in North America, but that means hockey season is starting soon. Training camps are set to get underway in the middle of September. However, general managers are looking forward to later in the season. The Columbus Blue Jackets have undergone some changes since Don Waddell took over as general manager. However, there could be more in store. This edition of NHL rumours deals with what the Blue Jackets may do with all of their newfound salary cap space.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Columbus Blue Jackets Could Take on Bad Contracts
Rumours: Brian Hedger of the Columbus Observer-Dispatch said that other teams may try to use the Blue Jackets to alleviate some of their cap issues.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets have made some drastic changes this off-season. Waddell has come in as the new general manager and hired Dean Evason as the team’s new bench boss. Columbus’ GM was also able to deal Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens last week.
Many thought that the Blue Jackets would have to retain some salary in order to make a deal possible. However, the Habs took on all of the $8.7 million cap hit from the Jackets. Waddell made it clear that he didn’t want to retain any of the Finnish forward’s salary.
This means that Columbus has plenty of room to make moves. Waddell told Heder that “We were able to acquire a good young player in Jordan Harris while maintaining financial flexibility in this deal, which was very important to us.”
Taking on Deals
Columbus now has nearly $16 million cap space going forward and could make them a player in a few ways. The Blue Jackets have gotten calls about taking on bad deals according to their general manager.
Teams like Utah when they were the Arizona Coyotes did this in order to stockpile picks and young prospects. This could be a play that Columbus makes in order to accelerate the rebuild. Clubs wanting to do business with the Blue Jackets will likely have to attach sweeteners in order to facilitate a deal. These sweeteners often come in the form of draft picks or prospects.
It might be a smart play for Columbus to take on some bad deals in the meantime while things continue to get back on track. Building the team back up may take a couple of seasons, but Waddell does have experience.
What’s Next?
There are some good players on the Blue Jackets. Zach Werenski and Johnny Gaudreau have been All-Stars and seem to be there for next couple of seasons.
However, there are a number of talented youngsters waiting to take the next step. Adam Fantilli showed plenty of promise before getting injured. The Jackets also have David Jiricek, Cole Sillinger and others looking to contribute more.
It may be a slog for the next couple of seasons in Columbus, but Waddell can weaponize that salary cap space into building a talent pool. That space gives them some flexibility whatever comes next.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
