The 2022-23 season hasn’t even officially ended and Jarmo has already made two big moves. After trading for Ivan Provorov earlier in the week, the Blue Jackets have completed a sign and trade for Damon Severson. The return to New Jersey for the facilitation is a 2023 third round pick.
Severson is a 28 year old right-shot defenseman. He is listed at 6’2″ 205 lbs. He’s not known as being an offensive juggernaut, but he doesn’t need to be if he slots in next to Werenski. He boasted a 56.54 5v5 CF% and a 60.68 5v5 xG% in the regular season and added 33 points in 81 games.
The Blue Jackets desperately needed a solid defensive defenseman to play next to Werenski. Jiricek will likely develop into that, but this move gives the club plenty of time to develop the youngster. The problem now is the glut of defensemen. As of today, the Blue Jackets have under control 11 defensemen that played 10 or more games this season. In addition, you can add prospects Svozil, Jiricek, and Mateychuk as players that will be ready to play NHL games in the near future.
I doubt Jarmo is done. Hold onto your hats.