Columbus Blue Jackets: Checking in on Recently Departed Free Agents

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost four players to free agency in the past offseason and another one re-signed into the organization with a two-way deal.

The Columbus Blue Jackets lost Jack Johnson, Thomas Vanek, Matt Calvert and Ian Cole in free agency, while Mark Letestu re-signed with the team in the form of a two-way deal and is currently in the AHL with Cleveland.

Jack Johnson who signed with the rival Pittsburgh Penguins has had a decent start to the season despite the team struggling as a whole.

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He currently averages just under 20 minutes per game and has recorded a 1-3-4 stat line through 16 games. He’s been more physical since signing with Pittsburgh, recording 56 hits already despite only posting 101 in 77 games last season. Plus/Minus is an unreliable statistic, however he’s currently a -8. Defensively he has 2 takeaways and 8 giveaways, meaning he turns over the puck more than he can take it from the opposition.

Going to Hockeytown, we see Thomas Vanek who returned to his former team. The 34 year old journeyman has had a fairly impressive start, however he’s been plagued by injury as of late. His last game was a battle against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on October 30th. Through twelve games, the Austrian native has recorded two goals, three assists and a total of five points.

Columbus Blue Jackets west division, or as they’re formally known the Colorado Avalanche solidified that satirical title by signing Matt Calvert and Ian Cole. Calvert’s taking on essentially the same role he had in Columbus, however his offensive production has been slightly decreased seemingly.

Ian Cole has seen an increase in ice time, and has produced nearly exactly the same as he did in Columbus. 1-5-6 through 18 games with Colorado compared to 2-5-7 with Columbus in 20 games.

Mark Letestu has performed well with the Cleveland Monsters, he’s just under a point per game. He has five goals, four assists and a total of nine points through twelve games.

All the Columbus Blue Jackets departed free agents have done fairly well for themselves, a majority of them earning significant contracts to continue living their dream. Not only have they done well for themselves, they continue to be successful at the NHL level.