Blue Jackets Rumors

Deadline Primer: Columbus Blue Jackets

February 23, 2018 at 2:19 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

With the trade deadline now just a few days away, we continue our closer look at the situation for each team. Where do they stand, what do they need to do, and what assets do they have to fill those needs? Next up is a look at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are talented enough to make the playoffs. They proved that a year ago when they put up a 108-point season, finishing third in the outstanding Metropolitan Division. This year has been an inconsistent application of those talents though, and they sit right on the edge of the Eastern Conference playoff picture with several teams nipping at their heels.

Record

30-26-5, fifth in Metropolitan Division

Deadline Status

Buyer

Deadline Cap Space

$22.7MM full-season cap hit, 0/3 retained salary transactions, 48/50 contracts per CapFriendly

Draft Picks

2018: CBJ 1st, CBJ 2nd, CBJ 3rd, CBJ 4th, CBJ 6th, CBJ 7th
2019: CBJ 1st, CBJ 3rd, CBJ 4th, CBJ 5th, CBJ 6th, CBJ 7th

Trade Chips

The Blue Jackets are one of the teams in the rare situation of wanting to add while also seeming willing to move some of their own roster players. Jack Johnson’s name has been in the news for weeks since his trade request became public, and though he has recently discussed a contract extension with the team, could still be on the move before Monday.

If Johnson is retained, Ryan Murray is getting healthy and could once again be the target of trade rumors. Murray was likely part of a Matt Duchene offer earlier this year, and could resurface as a valuable asset going the other way in any big trade.

Columbus also has several young forwards who could be intriguing to various teams around the league. Sonny Milano can’t seem to secure a role on the Blue Jackets, and minor league forwards like Sam Vigneault and Tyler Motte could still draw some attention. Their prospect ranks are filled with high-upside players like Vitaly Abramov and Alexandre Texier, which could give them the ability to put together quite a package for the right player in return.

Five Players To Watch For: D Jack Johnson, D Ryan Murray, F Sonny Milano, F Boone Jenner, F Sam Vigneault

Team Needs

1) Middle-Six Center: Though Pierre-Luc Dubois’ emergence has given the Blue Jackets a lot to be excited about at the center position, they desperately need some help down the middle if they’re hoping for a long playoff run. They’ve been linked to everyone imaginable, but most recently to a former Blue Jackets player in Derick Brassard. Even though they lost out on that option as the Senators sent Brassard to Pittsburgh, that kind of player is still on their radar.

2) Top-Nine Winger: If they can’t find a center, Columbus could settle on acquiring another winger with some powerplay experience. Their special teams have been bad all season (though better recently) and could use some sort of change for the stretch run. Rick Nash and Evander Kane represent the high-end rentals, but don’t rule Columbus out on one of the longer-term solutions. If players like Max Pacioretty or Mike Hoffman truly become available, you can bet GM Jarmo Kekalainen will at least inquire on what it would cost.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Minor Transactions: 02/23/18

February 23, 2018 at 9:21 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

Just a few days remain before the 2018 trade deadline, but much of the hockey world were glued to their television sets this morning to watch the German Olympic team upset the Canadians. Germany had already stunned Sweden in an overtime victory to make it to the semi-final match, and are now headed to the gold medal game against the Olympic Athletes from Russia. Though that may be more exciting than minor moves around the NHL, we’ll nevertheless keep track of all the comings and goings in the league.

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost last night to the Philadelphia Flyers, and today made several roster moves. Joonas Korpisalo and Markus Hannikainen are both on their way to the AHL, while Jeff Zatkoff has been recalled. Korpisalo has played just three times in 2018, and the Blue Jackets won’t need a backup to start for another week. He could be recalled at that point, though Zatkoff has plenty of NHL experience as well.

Lucas Wallmark is on his way back to Raleigh after the Carolina Hurricanes announced he has been recalled from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. The 22-year-old center has struggled to stick in the NHL for the second year in a row, suiting up for just five games with the ’Canes thus far in 2017-18 through multiple call-ups. Carolina could use the boost of Wallmark translating his high-powered AHL game to the next level.

Trade Candidates: Mark Letestu

February 22, 2018 at 7:15 pm CDT | by Zach Leach Leave a Comment

With the trade deadline just days away, we continue to profile several players that have a good chance to be dealt by February 26th.

Mark Letestu has not had a good season. In fact, in many ways this is the worst season of his NHL career. However, when Trade Deadline season rolls around each year, experienced, versatile depth forwards on expiring contracts are consistently the most common type of player dealt. Letestu fits the bill, hence the rampant speculation that he will be traded. Like Letestu, the Edmonton Oilers have not had the 2017-18 campaign they expected and have no reason to keep Letestu and, based on his play this season, are likely eager to trade him to the highest bidder. This is not a question of if Letestu will be dealt, but when and to whom.

Contract

Letestu is in the final season of a three-year, $5.4MM contract signed with the Oilers in 2015. The deal holds a $1.8MM cap hit and no trade protections.

2017-18

The 32-year-old Letestu is coming off a career-high 35 points in 2016-17. While he may not be an offensive juggernaut, Letestu has been the definition of reliable in his nine-year NHL career. He can play on the power play and penalty kill, excels at the face-off dot, and is hardly ever found taking a bad penalty. In 2017-18, he has continued to dominate the dot and play clean hockey; that’s about all he’s done right. Letestu has seen his offense disappear this season and, with it, his play time. He is currently on pace for 25 points this season, 10 fewer than last year and tied for the second-least of his career. Even worse, most of that production came earlier in the season. Letestu recorded 16 of his 18 points prior to the new year and is currently on a 24-game goal-less streak, with just two assists to show for the last two months. To qualify that lack of impact on the score sheet, consider that Letestu is still averaging more than two minutes per night on the power play as well. Between his significant power play and penalty kill time – despite no offense and a team-worst plus/minus – Letestu is left with under nine minutes a night of five-on-five time this season.

Season Stats

58 GP, 8 goals, 10 assists, 18 points, -16 rating, 10 PIM, 91 shots, 12:57 ATOI, 50.7 CF%

Potential Suitors

Despite a miserable season, there continues to be immense interest in Letestu. That is not to say that the Oilers will receive an immense return when they trade him, but there will be some competition driving up the price for a player that otherwise would be worth very little. Some teams may consider Letestu’s personal struggles a function of Edmonton’s poor season and hope for a bounce back to his 2016-17 level of play with a change of scenery. Others may just see him as a specialist and continue to use him as Edmonton does – power plays, penalty kills, face-offs, and little else.

Among the teams rumored to be interested in Letestu are the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He would fit well as an energy line or 13th forward on any of those teams. Other squads who could use another body up front include the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins, while several others are sure to do their due diligence on his availability as well. However, as The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline alluded to, the perfect fit for Letestu is likely back with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Letestu spent parts of four seasons in Columbus before signing with Edmonton, including arguably his best season in 2013-14. Not only that, but Portzline points out that Letestu and his family still call Ohio home. While too much stock is often put into familiarity when it comes to transactions and Letestu likely won’t have a say in his destination, the landing spot makes sense for other reasons as well. The Jackets are still fighting hard for a playoff spot and may not be willing to pay for a premium player with their playoff future still uncertain. Letestu will likely be more affordable and, as an added bonus, can jump right into the lineup, rejoining some past teammates and lending his experience to the many younger, newer Jackets forwards. More specifically, Columbus has also struggled greatly with special teams this season, sporting the league’s worst power play and a bottom-five penalty kill. They may have a better chance than anyone at giving Letestu an environment where he can rediscover his even strength game and scoring touch, but even if he doesn’t, he can at least help to rejuvenate the special teams.

Likelihood of a Trade

The likelihood of Letestu being traded is as close to 100% as any player on the block. The Oilers have absolutely no reason to keep him and there is high interest in his services. At some point over the next few days, Letestu will have a new home for the remaining months of the 2017-18 season.

Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets Recently Discussed Extension

February 22, 2018 at 1:24 pm CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

There has been a persistent thought that Jack Johnson was likely the first man out the door for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline since his trade request became public earlier this season, but now Aaron Portzline of The Athletic (subscription required) reports that the team has reached out to re-open negotiations on a possible extension. Though neither side would comment, it’s an interesting turn in what was an expected breakup over the next few days.

Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets offered Johnson a seven-year extension last offseason worth more than $22MM, which he turned down.

Johnson’s ice time has gone back up since the report of a trade request broke, topping 20 minutes in nine of his last 14 games. As Columbus continues to try and solidify their place in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Johnson’s name has come up as a possibility for many teams around the league. His experience and ability in various situations was quite sought after, with a late first-round pick even expected as a potential return.

Portzline is quick to point out that if extension talks don’t progress, Johnson still could be traded by Monday’s deadline, but this at least opens the door to a possible return. The 31-year old is a valuable piece for the Blue Jackets, but is scheduled to be one of the top defensive options on the open market should he hold out until unrestricted free agency this summer.

Lightning Claim Dumont, Blue Jackets Claim Chorney

February 21, 2018 at 11:04 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

Both players on waivers yesterday have been claimed, with Gabriel Dumont heading back to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Taylor Chorney on his way to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dumont had previously been claimed from the Lightning by the Ottawa Senators, but will now head back to his old organization. Since he made it all the way to Tampa Bay, he’ll be allowed to head directly to the AHL if they so choose. That gives the Syracuse Crunch a valuable asset for their stretch run, as well as adding more depth into the Lightning forward group.

The Blue Jackets have dealt with a few injuries of late with Dean Kukan and Markus Nutivaara going down, thus making Chorney’s availability too good to pass up. The veteran defenseman can step into a depth role for the club while they get healthy, and likely stick around after rosters expand next week. The Blue Jackets needed to make a corresponding move to fit him in for now, and have moved Nick Foligno to injured reserve.

Minor Transactions: 02/19/18

February 19, 2018 at 8:47 am CDT | by Gavin Lee 1 Comment

One week remains until the NHL trade deadline, and an injury now could totally change a team’s plans. As a few sellers decide just how low of a price they’re willing to give away their assets for, buyers are clamoring for more production at a reasonable cost. Like always, we’ll keep track of all the minor moves right here.

The New York Islanders have placed Thomas Greiss on injured reserve, making Christopher Gibson an emergency call-up. Greiss’ injury isn’t expected to be long-term, but will still hurt the Islanders chances. New York is fighting for their lives in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and Greiss had recently started to see his game improve. Now they’ll have to rely on Jaroslav Halak for the time being, unless a trade is in the works to bring another goaltender in.
The Montreal Canadiens have assigned Nikita Scherbak to the minor leagues as they start to get healthy. Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw are both expected back soon, and the team needed a roster spot. With rosters expanding after the trade deadline, you can bet Scherbak will be back up with Montreal before long.
Dean Kukan has been put on injured reserve, and will miss at least week according to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who recalled Zac Dalpe and Ryan Murray today. Murray has been injured for some time, and just completed a short conditioning stint in the minor leagues where he scored in his only game. He could represent a big trade deadline boost for the Blue Jackets, or make a potential Jack Johnson trade possible.
The Buffalo Sabres have recalled Linus Ullmark from the AHL, while Robin Lehner deals with a minor injury. Ullmark has had an excellent season with the Rochester Americans, posting a .924 save percentage through his 18-9-4 record. The 24-year old goaltender looks ready to take the next step to the NHL full-time next season.
Carolina has sent Lucas Wallmark back to the AHL, where he has been a top offensive performer this year. The 22-year old has now played five games for the Hurricanes this year, scoring his first NHL goal but being held off the scoresheet otherwise. Carolina is off until Friday, when Wallmark could be recalled.
Teddy Blueger didn’t get into a game for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and will now have to wait for another opportunity. The 23-year old forward has been sent back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he has 26 points in 45 games.
While the Flyers have been decimated by injuries in goal lately, they did get some good news as Anthony Stolarz was given the green light to be activated off season-opening injured reserve. Accordingly, the team has assigned him to Lehigh Valley of the AHL. Philadelphia has also recalled winger Oskar Lindblom from the Phantoms and he could make his NHL debut tomorrow night against Montreal.

Kukan, Foligno Leave Sunday's Game With Injury

February 18, 2018 at 7:31 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose 1 Comment

Blue Jackets defenseman Dean Kukan suffered an upper-body injury in today’s game against Pittsburgh, the team announced (Twitter link). If he is projected to miss any time, that may play an impact on Ryan Murray’s conditioning stint which just kicked off Kukan has held his own with Columbus since being recalled, posting four assists in nine games while logging just shy of 13 minutes per night. Also injured in the game was winger Nick Foligno, who the team noted (via Twitter) has a lower-body issue. While he has had a quieter year offensively compared to recent seasons, any prolonged absence would be a big concern for the Blue Jackets, who find themselves on the outside looking in at the postseason.

Columbus Assigns Ryan Murray To AHL For Conditioning Stint

February 17, 2018 at 6:29 pm CDT | by Zach Leach Leave a Comment

The Columbus Blue Jackets will soon get a boost to their blue line, but they’ll have to wait just a little bit longer. The team announced today that they have activated Ryan Murray from the injured reserve, but have assigned him to the AHL for a conditioning stint. Murray will play at least a game or two for the Cleveland Monsters before returning to the Columbus lineup.

Murray, 24, suffered an undisclosed upper-body injury back in November and has missed the team’s past 34 games. Murray’s early NHL career has been marred by injury, as he missed 22 games last season and all but 12 games in 2014-15 due to various maladies. Even when healthy, Murray has lacked the offensive impact he showed in juniors an in his 24-point rookie season. In the 24 games he has suited up for in 2017-18, Murray has only five points. The 2012 second-overall pick came with, understandably, high expectations that he has yet to reach due to his lack of play time.

Yet, there is still much potential for the smooth-skating defenseman to realize. Although he has been passed up by the likes of Zach Werenski and Seth Jones in Columbus, the Blue Jackets remain committed to Murray and he will surely fill an important role once for the team once he returns. Especially if the Jackets are entertaining ideas of trading away Jack Johnson before the NHL Trade Deadline while still trying to make the playoffs, Murray will be looked upon for solid play and big minutes. The conditioning stint in the AHL will be Murray’s first ever AHL action, after jumping right to the NHL from the WHL, and will hopefully both give him confidence and get him back in game shape and ready to help Columbus down the stretch – they need him.

Blue Jackets Could Make Boone Jenner Available

February 15, 2018 at 6:45 pm CDT | by Brian La Rose 5 Comments

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic relays (subscription required) that Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner is out there as a possible trade option. 2017-18 has been a down year for Jenner as he has just five goals in 50 games after tallying 48 over the previous two seasons combined. Given his size and ability to play center though, he would undoubtedly garner a lot of interest. Jenner has a $2.9MM salary and cap hit this season which will stand as his qualifying offer this summer as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.

Minor Transactions: 02/13/18

February 13, 2018 at 10:15 am CDT | by Gavin Lee Leave a Comment

A busy night in the NHL, with 12 games on tap for tonight. Among them are some huge divisional matchups between St. Louis-Nashville and Philadelphia-New Jersey. Both games could have huge implications on the playoffs, with each team trying to take two points in regulation.

The St. Louis Blues have recalled Oskar Sundqvist from his conditioning stint ahead of their game. Sundqvist had been a healthy scratch for some time, so was loaned to the San Antonio Rampage to get into some game action. In six games with the AHL club this year, the 23-year old center has six points.
According to Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers, the Cleveland Monsters have loaned Andre Benoit to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers for the remainder of the season. The veteran defenseman returned from Sweden to play in the AHL this season, where he has five points in 31 games.
The Colorado Avalanche have sent Andrei Mironov to the AHL, bringing up Duncan Siemens in his spot. Siemens has played just four NHL games so far in his career, despite his high draft position at 11th-overall in 2011. In 45 games with the San Antonio Rampage this season, he has seven points.
With the Canucks dealing with several injuries, including one to defenseman Chris Tanev, the team has recalled Philip Holm from the minor leagues. Holm was signed last May out of the Swedish Hockey League, and has found immediate success in the AHL with the Utica Comets.
Marcus Pettersson has been given his first NHL recall, brought up by the Anaheim Ducks in place of the waived Korbinian Holzer. Pettersson, a second-round pick from 2014, is in his first season in North America. In 44 games with the San Diego Gulls, the 6’4″ rangy defenseman has 14 points.

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