2. An upgrade on defense...
If you can't improve upon your goals against by adding a goaltender, maybe you can do it by upgrading on defense?
The Blue Jackets have a true #1 defenseman in Zach Werenski. But after him, I feel like everyone is playing one slot higher than they should.
And, they only have 5 true NHL defensemen at this time. Joining Werenski are Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov - who both make a good case for being a #3 defenseman on a contender - as well as Erik Gudbranson (ideally, a #5/6 guy) and Jack Johnson (depth).
Obviously, I think they're hoping that top prospects David Jiricek and/or Denton Mateychuk can secure one of these jobs and help make a difference. But, until they do, you can't really count on them being a solution here.
If the Jackets could find a trade partner willing to throw in a top-four defenseman, they would be doing themselves a real favor. And, honestly, I won't even say "young" or "roster age appropriate" here. Experience could be a big help for this team as it turns the corner.
Ideally, someone who could play alongside Werenksi, as Jiricek continues to develop. Even if just for the upcoming season, or two years; adding stability to the back end is definitely an area that could help the Jackets take a step forward.
If you can't find someone willing to trade you a defenseman, there's one other area you can impact the roster this season...