After adding another veteran to the AHL mix, the Blue Jackets can ice an entire starting lineup of replacements

Over the course of the summer, the Columbus Blue Jackets haven't tinkered with the NHL roster too much. Aside from adding a couple of veterans to the bottom-six up front, they've kept the same group around that had them close to a playoff berth last year. They have also added some experienced veterans to the AHL mix, which gives them nearly an entire starting lineup of replacement players.

Yesterday, the team signed UFA right wing Hudson Fasching to a one year, two-way contract. First indications here are that he's going to be the last veteran piece for the Cleveland Monsters, likely part of their leadership core and one of the first call-ups to Columbus when the injury bug starts to hit.

This is another step towards the apparent goal of developing their prospects more before pushing them into the NHL. A big, hard working two-way winger, Fasching is a veteran of 175 career NHL games - and 308 career AHL games. By all accounts, he is also a great guy to have in the locker room:

""Hudson Fasching is a hard-working, responsible winger with size who plays with a great deal of energy," said Waddell. "His high character, experience and versatility strengthens our organizational depth up front and we’re happy to welcome him to the Blue Jackets.”"

Don Waddell

He certainly fits into the mold of what Don Waddell is trying to build within this CBJ system. After years of high draft picks, the plan seems to be allowing these talented young players to fully develop their game at the lower levels before bringing them to the NHL. Included within this plan is surrounding them with good quality veterans, who can lead the way and help them understand what it takes to be a pro in a positive environment.

These vets can also fill in at the NHL level, protecting the prospects from being thrust into the league too soon. With Fasching in place, Waddell has given himself the luxury of an entire starting lineup of skaters that he can play NHL minutes when needed. He has one at every position, with Fasching (RW) joining Zach Aston-Reese (LW), Brendan Gaunce (C); and two defensemen (Dysin Mayo, Christian Jaros).

That is a lot of insulation, and should the Jackets need fill-in players, they will have plenty of options this season. This is tidy work by Waddell and the rest of the management in Columbus, but they still shouldn't be content.

Still one more piece missing?

As our own Mike Stump pointed out, the Cleveland Monsters are now full-up when it comes to veteran skaters. So, barring any other moves, it seems the only thing left for the Blue Jackets to do is add another goaltender to the rotation.

With Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves set to play in the NHL this season, the organization has just two other goaltenders signed that are capable of playing professional hockey: Zach Sawchenko and Nolan Lalonde. Simply put, having either of these guys in the Blue Jackets crease this season could be a recipe for collapse.

They will certainly want to add a guy who can step in and be the #3 guy in the system before the season starts. Injuries are almost guaranteed at this position, and they are dangerously thin at the moment. Hopefully, they are able to do that once training camp starts and teams begin to sneak guys through the waiver wire.