Blue Jackets Re-Sign Forward Trey Fix-Wolansky: Reaction

The Blue Jackets continued to get a head start on the offseason today, signing prospect Trey Fix-Wolansky by signing him to a two-year, two-way contract extension.

Originally picked by the Jackets in the 7th round (#204 overall) at the 2018 NHL Draft, the Edmonton, AB native has been developed slowly by the Jackets over the last five years, but really stood out in the AHL this season.

Fix-Wolansky scored 29 goals and 42 assists for 71 points in 61 games with the Cleveland Monsters this year, finishing 7th in the league in scoring. Strictly from that perspective, this deal makes perfect sense. The Jackets keep around a gritty, talented forward that has shown that he can produce at that level, which is great for the younger players that will be coming into the system this fall.

Aside from that though, I think this is a player that is going to be knocking on the door of the NHL team very soon – maybe even this fall. The bottom six forward group in Columbus is really crowded, but if the Jackets decide to move on from some of the bodies battling for spots there, Fix-Wolansky is a guy that I think can step in and provide this team with some depth scoring and plenty of energy.

At 5’7″ and around 180 pounds, he may be undersized compared to professional hockey standards – but he plays the game like an angry bull. He likes to throw his body around and fights to work in the tough areas, and he’s at his best when he’s under the opposition’s skin. This is one of those players you really love to have on your team, because he can do just enough to draw a penalty to the other side – and then he’s skilled enough to score a goal on the ensuing power-play.

This move leaves the Jackets with just two remaining restricted free agents – defensemen Tim Berni and Marcus Bjork. The Jackets also have unrestricted free agents Gavin Bayreuther, Joona Luoto, Justin Richards, Michael Hutchinson, and Jon Gillies left unsigned.

Whether Fix-Wolansky makes the Jackets this fall or not isn’t really hugely concerning. This is a two-way deal that will allow the team to move him up and down between the NHL and AHL as needed. You need to have a few guys like this in your system, who can play up and down the lineup at a moment’s notice. Hopefully he gets the chance he deserves this fall.