Training camp started one week ago, with 55 players on the training camp roster. The Blue Jackets began on-ice drills last Thursday, with the team holding practice for the first time this fall. One week later, they have already re-assigned seven players back to juniors. Lets look at each of their situations individually, and what we can expect.
Pano Fimis and Jacob Oster were both free agent invitees by the Jackets, after impressing at the team's rookie camp and prospect tournament in Buffalo. I was a little bit surprised to see them both sent back in the first round of cuts, but only because it was without contracts in hand. I thought they looked good.
That doesn't mean they won't be signed at some point this year. Fimis in particular looked like he would be a nice addition to the organization. He has NHL potential, with all of the requisite skill, good speed, and a high motor.
Oster could be a future NHLer as well, though goaltenders are a lot tougher to get a read on. Especially with the short viewing window we had in camp. I would not be surprised to see one or both of these guys brought into the organization, once their 20 year old seasons are finished in junior.
Also cut this week are five players whose rights are owned by the Blue Jackets. Another undrafted goaltender was involved in thate first round of cuts - Nolan Lalonde - though he's already under contract with the team. He was returned to the Ontario Hockey League's Kingston Frontenacs, where he will spend his final year of junior eligibilty. Expect him to turn pro after this season.
Defenseman Luca Marrelli was the last player cut on Sunday. The 2024 third round pick was sent back to the OHL's Oshawa Generals, where he should be a massive point producer this season. He wasn't making the CBJ roster this year, not by any stretch; so sending him back early was the right move. Let him settle into what should be a magnificent junior hockey season.
The second round of cuts saw three Blue Jacket draftees returned to their junior clubs. We'll run through those on the next page.