The Columbus Blue Jackets off-season has been considered one of the best in the league. The Blue Jackets added an elite scorer in left winger Artemi Panarin. With Panarin being an elite scorer, that should fill Columbus’ biggest need they had going into the off-season. Even with filling the need of an elite scorer, the Blue Jackets still could make additions to get out of a very tough Metropolitan Division.
Columbus Blue Jackets Off-season: Possible New Additions
Right Wing: Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr could be a great fit in Columbus, for the right price. With great veteran leadership while still being productive when it comes to scoring. Jagr would most likely be on the third line, but could offer the Stanley Cup Playoff experience Columbus needs.
Some may argue that Jagr would be in a similar role to what Scott Hartnell had, whose contract was bought out by Columbus earlier this off-season. The issue with Hartnell was not his production on the ice, but the price and term of his contract. Jagr outproduced Hartnell in points, goals, and assists this past season. If the Blue Jackets signed Jagr to the right contract he could be a steal.
At the right price, the Columbus Blue Jackets would be well-served to sign Jagr.
Center: Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene has been one of the top stories of the off-season. Many teams, including the Blue Jackets, have already tried to trade for Duchene. However, Colorado general manager Joe Sakic has been completely unreasonable in his demands for Duchene. If the Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen can get Duchene for a reasonable price it would be a huge boost for the Blue Jackets.
Duchene would be most likely be the second line center behind Alexander Wennberg. With the departure of Sam Gagner and William Karlsson the center position depth is a big need for Columbus. Duchene will take the depth of the center from a question mark to arguably one of the best one-two punches in the league.
Left Wing: Thomas Vanek
Thomas Vanek scored 48 points last season while only playing in 68 games. With only 17 goals last season, Vanek is more of a creator than a scorer. Vanek could give a spark to the bottom half of the roster that might help push Columbus to the next level.
Being 33-years-old Vanek has a couple more years left of competitive hockey, and this is what Columbus needs. The Blue Jackets don’t need someone who will just be a one-year player. Columbus needs someone who can help them while they have a window for the Stanley Cup.
Defensemen: Gabriel Carlsson
Yes, Gabriel Carlsson is already a part of the Blue Jackets organization. However, he only played in two games late in the season after being brought over from Europe. Carlsson should make the roster this year and be on the third pairing with Ryan Murray.
In the SweHL Carlsson was never much of an offensive threat, scoring just 15 points in his 92 games. Carlsson was, however, considered one of the top defensemen to come out of Sweden. With his size and skill set Carlsson is believed by many to eventually be a top four defenseman in the NHL. In the very limited sample size with the organization, and his time in Sweden, Carlsson has shown flashes of this.
A goalie was not selected on the list as the Blue Jackets goaltender situation is considered one of deepest in the league. Sergei Bobrovsky is coming off his second Vezina Trophy and a historic season. The Blue Jackets also seem content with young backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are already a contender, but there is always room for improvement. Any of these five players can help the Blue Jackets with their push for the Stanley Cup. Duchene would be the biggest must for the Blue Jackets, but any of these players would be a big boost to the team
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