4 recently traded players the Blue Jackets can sign in NHL free agency

Sean Monahan, C/Winnipeg Jets

Sean Monahan could be a hard sell, thanks to the fact he went from a bad team in Montreal to a winning organization in Winnipeg, even if the latter didn’t last in the playoffs. If he ends up as more than just a rental for the Jets, or if he’s selective with where he signs next, then more power to the veteran heading into his age-30 season. 

But given the number of injuries and misfortunes the Blue Jackets faced this past year that saw just one player suiting up for all 82 games and two playing in 80 or more, it would be a great idea for the front office to go out and find a player who proved to be more reliable of staying on the ice this past season.

Monahan played in 83 regular season games in 2023-24 - 49 with Montreal and the final 34 with Winnipeg, not counting the playoffs. He was a top-six player with both organizations, and a reliable scorer with 26 goals and 59 total points. 

Monahan already has chemistry with Johnny Gaudreau, and he would also help the Blue Jackets win at the faceoff dot, as he’s logged a 50.0 or higher faceoff win percentage in eight of his last nine seasons. This past year, that number sat at just 0.2 points under a career-high - 54.9 percent, raising the likelihood it remains as-is or sails even higher next season. 

As for the Blue Jackets, Boone Jenner was the only member of the team who regularly took faceoffs that snagged an over 50.0 win percentage. Columbus’ struggles at the faceoff dot were yet another reason they finished with just 66 points in 2023-24, with a meager 47.2 mark. 

While Brandon Duhaime would help give possession back to the Blue Jackets, Monahan could factor in as someone to help them maintain possession in the offensive zone or help them regain possession at the circle when in the defensive zone.