The Columbus Blue Jackets strung together a franchise-best 16-game winning streak en route to a return to the playoffs in 2016-17. After a disappointing first round exit at the hands of the rival Pittsburgh Penguins, the focus now shifts to the future. What it will take to complete that next step? This team grew up a lot this season; they’re no longer viewed as that little train that could. With the right additions, this team could be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender next season.
It certainly won’t get any easier next year competing in the league’s toughest division. However, the Blue Jackets are built to win now and could solidify their positions as contenders in the Eastern Conference with a strong offseason. Here is a look at the offseason plan for Columbus.
3 Things The Blue Jackets Have To Work On
1. Explore The Trade Market
The Blue Jackets first-round playoff exit was proof that their current roster isn’t good enough to win the Stanley Cup. Columbus has all of its core players locked up for at least one more season. The problem is that management is projected to have just under $3 million to work with in order to upgrade the talent on this team. Alexander Wennberg is due for a raise as a restricted free agent. That could further narrow the amount of money management has to work with. The best option might be to explore the trade market for another upgrade up front.
The goaltending and defense core in Columbus is solid. The Blue Jackets ranked sixth in the NHL in scoring during the regular season but, were held to two goals or fewer in three of their five playoff games. Columbus could definitely benefit from another top-six forward but their best opportunity for an upgrade might be exploring the trade market.
2. Lock In RFA’s At Reasonable Price
Wennberg broke out with 13 goals and 59 points this past season. The Blue Jackets appreciated his production but it will make it tougher to sign him at a reasonable price as a restricted free agent this summer. Management will likely try to convince him to take a bridge deal but there are no guarantees. Sam Gagner and Lauri Korpikoski are both UFA’s but it’s unlikely they will be back at any more than a discounted price. Columbus won’t have much money to work with under the salary cap so signing Wennberg at a decent rate will be important.
3. Push The Young Guns
Oliver Bjorkstrand registered six goals and 13 points in 26 games last season. The third-overall pick from the 2013 NHL Draft turned 22 this past April and he is ready for his shot at the highest level. Bjorkstrand is an immensely talented forward and he could slide in nicely in a scoring role for the Blue Jackets next season. With the Blue Jackets being strapped for cash, they may have to rely on internal development to get the job done.
Another player that could be on the rise is Sonny Milano. He played in just four regular season games for the Blue Jackets last year and could see a bigger opportunity. Meanwhile, Columbus took Pierre-Luc Dubois with the third-overall pick in last year’s draft. While he might need one more year in junior, he isn’t far away from contributing either.
Key Free Agents
The Blue Jackets have the young guns to replace Gagner and Korpikoski if they move as unrestricted free agents this offseason. In fact, Columbus might be better off letting them walk and using that money elsewhere. The biggest concern for the Blue Jackets is Wennberg, who flirted with 60 points this past season. Columbus will likely try to lock in Wennberg with a shorter-term bridge deal. Whether or not they get that deal done will have a major impact on their approach to free agency this offseason.
The Blue Jackets are close to contending for a Stanley Cup. However, they must first find the complementary pieces to help put them over the top. If they can’t find those solutions in free agency, then their hopes of taken the next step in 2017-18 will be pinned on a couple of young pieces improving.
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