Columbus Blue Jackets: Predicting the 2017-2018 Opening Night Lineup

The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a fairly quiet offseason following the blockbuster acquisition of Artemi Panarin on the day of the NHL draft. However, there is still time for a move to happen; and more than likely one or two will.

The first move that makes sense for the Columbus Blue Jackets would be dealing for James van Reimsdyk from the Toronto Maple Leafs. This deal would likely have to be based around Jack Johnson in order to get it done. According to Capfriendly.com both players are in the last year of their current contract and the cap hit is only about $100,000 higher for Johnson.

The Blue Jackets have an abundance of NHL caliber defensemen, while the Maple Leafs have the same issue with forwards, making them perfect trade partners. Mark Scheig‘s poll on van Reimsdyk showed that the Fifth Line is split on him, however it is a move that makes a lot of sense.

#CBJ poll. Given Marleau deal in Toronto, if you're Blue Jackets, if you don't land Duchene/Kovalchuk, do you pursue JVR for top-6?
— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) July 2, 2017

Free Agent Signing

The Blue Jackets should also explore adding a right handed defenseman for the bottom pairing, specifically Cody Franson. Franson struggled in his time with Buffalo, however in the past he has shown that he can be a reliable defenseman if his expectations are not super high.

If Jarmo Kekalainen can sign him for one year at around $2 million, then it is a logical move for both the team and player.

Prospects

Prospect wise, it seems as if the Blue Jackets want Pierre-Luc Dubois to make the roster.

Gabriel Carlsson impressed many Blue Jackets fans during the playoff series against the Penguins, and as a result it seems that Markus Nutivaara will either be a 7th defenseman or return to the AHL.

Tyler Motte will likely be the first player to be called up in case of an injury, followed by Markus Hannikainen.

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