After the Columbus Blue Jackets lost center Boone Jenner for the next several weeks, they’ve decided to convert one of their AHL players to an NHL contract. Justin Richards has signed a one-year, two-way deal for the rest of this season. That will allow him to be recalled if needed.
Richards, 24, had been playing on an AHL contract after failing to receive a qualifying offer from the New York Rangers last summer. The undrafted forward earned an entry-level contract with the Rangers after three seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and made his NHL debut in 2020-21, recording an assist in his only game.
This season with the Cleveland Monsters he has been a key player, recording 17 points in 23 games while playing with some of the team’s other young talent. His familiarity with players like Kirill Marchenko, Trey Fix-Wolansky, and Emil Bemstrom should only help him if the Blue Jackets continue to lose their more veteran options from the NHL roster.
Given that the team only had 43 of a possible 50 contract slots open, a deal for Richards doesn’t pose any risk. It does make him a restricted free agent at the end of the season but the team could simply leave him unqualified again, if they don’t want to offer him another NHL contract.
Why not just claim Czarnik or Smith on waivers? Jackets have nothing to lose. Czarnik I understand maybe not only because he has another year on his deal but Smith is a UFA at seasons end. If he’s not any good, it at least keeps the Jackets from having to expose some kids who aren’t NHL-ready. At best, he plays decent and they can eat 50% of his salary at the deadline and flip him for a late pick. It’s essentially a free asset so why not? They have half their roster on IR or LTIR so nothing to lose.