After a rocky offseason, we are ready for some Blue Jackets hockey. Before that can take place, however, there are still some pieces of business for GM Don Waddell to get done. And, even when the puck drops, he still has tough decisions to make; which could take this franchise in wildly different directions.
We're still waiting for Adam Fantilli to sign his name to a contract for this season and beyond. Even though that isn't done to this point, this isn't something that alters the plans for the Blue Jackets in any direction. We know what the outcome of this situation will be, once everyone can agree on the deal.
That contract will get done, eventually. Once that happens, everyone's focus will turn immediately to another young forward on this roster: Kirill Marchenko. Marchy did this organization no favors in his first press conference of the season, last Friday.
He dodged every question that was thrown his way involving the words "Columbus" or "long-term". That situation is now going to be on the front burner for Waddell and the Blue Jackets, right up until the time he is traded elsewhere. Or, dare I say, until he signs a new contract?
Marchenko's situation is the one that could directly alter the path this team takes for the next several years. While his value or impact isn't as significant as a player like Fantilli or franchise face Zach Werenski; Kirill's potential departure stings because he's exactly the kind of player this team needs to prove that they can retain.
It also stings because he's right in the middle of the competitive core that Waddell has worked to assemble. There are younger players here, learning the ropes. There are older veterans here, helping lead the way. But there aren't many impactful scorers who are just entering their prime like Marchenko is right now.
So, the decision on what to do with #86 could have far-reaching ramifications. In fact, what Waddell and the Blue Jackets do with this player, could take this team in any number of different directions. Lets look at some of their options, and potential outcomes over the next few slides.
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