If things weren't interesting enough already, a list of restricted free agents that have not been tendered qualifying offers will now become unrestricted free agents tomorrow. For the Blue Jackets, there will likely be more than a few players they're keeping an eye on.

Dan Fritsche, Center/Wing

I think the only reason Fritsche was included in the deal that sent Zherdev to the New York Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman was because he expected too much from Columbus. He wanted a bigger paycheck and a bigger role. He's a solid 3rd/4th liner, but he expected top 6 minutes. After being scratched in much of his time with the Rangers and then being traded to the Minnesota Wild, I think his expectations might be back in check. He's an Ohio boy and a fierce competitor. We've all missed Danny to some extent since he left. I could really see some interest here.

Marcel Goc, Center

Not a big scorer, his point totals have pretty much decreased each year, but I've always seen Goc as an effective player. He certainly still has a lot of upside.

Erik Christensen, Center

It seems we've had some interest in Christensen since his days in Pittsburgh. He would be a solid option for the 4th line. 

Fredrik Sjostrom, Wing

Another name to throw in the hat of "if we trade some forwards." He wouldn't see much ice time above the 4th line, but his NHL experience could make him more valuable in the line-up over an Alex Picard or Mike Blunden.

And as mentioned earlier, Jiri Hudler is another RFA turning to free agency that could be an option, although he would be a bit more expensive and command a bigger role. 

Also, The Dispatch reports on our own restricted free agents: 

The following players were extended qualifying offers: LW Alexandre Picard, C Michael Blunden, D Marc Methot, D Jonathan Sigalet and G Dan LaCosta.

The following players were not: D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, C Jiri Novotny, D Kyle Wharton, D Trevor Hendrikx, F Petr Pohl, F John Vigilante and D Jon Landry.