Don Waddell has already made big changes to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but there are still several pieces of business to address. Most national NHL reporters have retreated to their lakehouses but we’ve still got stuff to cover.
The Coach
Based on the timeline reported by Don Waddell at the draft, we should be getting an announcement of a new coaching hire any day now. Interviews began last week. Todd McLellan and Jay Woodcroft are among the names reported as being in the running.
The RFAs
These players remain unsigned, but have received qualifying offers:
Kirill Marchenko
Cole Sillinger
Kent Johnson
Jake Christiansen
Jet Greaves
Marchenko, Christiansen, and Greaves all filed for arbitration. Any player who is eligible should make that filing because it increases their leverage. I would expect all to be signed before the hearings happen, however.
Johnson is an exclusive rights free agent, meaning that he cannot sign an offer sheet with another club. For that reason, I would expect him to be the last one signed of this group. That’s not something to be worried about.
News Recap
- Steve Mears was announced as the new TV play-by-play announcer, replacing longtime TV voice Jeff Rimer. Mears is a native of Western Pennsylvania and has most recently worked for the Penguins. He also has worked for the Islanders, NHL Network, and TNT. He does have an Ohio connection as an alumnus of Bowling Green State University. While a student there, he attended a Blue Jackets home game in their inaugural season.
- The big news on the first day of free agency was the signing of Sean Monahan to a 5 year contract. He had many productive years in Calgary playing on a line with Johnny Gaudreau. He is a great faceoff center and can replace Boone Jenner as a first line center, power play forward, and late-game option to win a faceoff.
- The other veteran free agent signing is the return of Jack Johnson. He’s signed to a one year, league minimum contract, so he’s mostly an insurance policy in the event of injuries and/or youngsters David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk not being ready. JJ can mentor them and fill in on the third line, or sit in the press box.
- On the minor league level, goaltender Zach Sawchenko was signed to a one year, two way detail. He will back up Greaves in Cleveland.
- Thursday marked the three year anniversary of the passing of Matiss Kivlenieks. It’s hard for me to hear amateur fireworks going off on the 4th of July weekend and not think of his tragic death.
Coming Up
My apologies for some lapses in the posting schedule. I’ve been focused on some business stuff and other behind-the-scenes matters for the site, so that we can have a great 2024-25 season. This month we’ll have the last few player reviews, an updated look at the depth chart, and analysis of the new coach’s system. Stay tuned, and thanks for your continued support!