The Blue Jackets need a big splash, and should look to another Eastern Conference contender as an example

As the NHL season nears its crux, there are 30 teams sitting at home watching. Many of them are searching for answers to questions, in an effort to be in this position next season. One of those teams are the Blue Jackets, who aren't as far off as we might assume. They should be looking at the example set by another final 4 team this season, and using their model to make a splash.

We are now in the third summer of Don Waddell as the general manager of the team. So far, he's nipped around the edges of the roster; but he has yet to really make any core moves. With the playoffs out of reach again this year, now is the time for him to make something big happen.

He's done a nice job, even if it has been underwhelming. He brought in Sean Monahan, Charlie Coyle, and Isac Lundestrom, giving this team the best center depth they have ever had. He's added skill wingers like Mason Marchment and Conor Garland. And, his goaltending position seems pretty well set.

Still, we are left wanting so much more. The Jackets have battled right to the end in both of their seasons under Waddell's leadership, but have not been able to scratch the playoff hockey itch in Central Ohio. It's time for that to change.

Just look at the summer the Montreal Canadiens had last year. After finishing the 2024-25 season with 91 points, they brought in Noah Dobson, who helped balance out their defense corps and made their entire roster better. This year, they made it to the Eastern Conference Final. That's the kind of move the Blue Jackets need to make.

Why is it so important that this team takes a big step this year? Well, ask the reigning Norris Trophy winning defenseman about his thoughts on this team. As his good buddy seeks a trade out of his environment, eyeing a chance to make a Stanley Cup run, we have to wonder: how much longer will Zach Werenski continue to toot the Columbus horn?

The pressure is on Waddell and the organization this summer. There is no more time to tinker around the edges. This team is starving for the playoffs. No, that's wrong...

This team is starving for a Stanley Cup run.

The question here: do they have the roster to do it? Honestly, I think they are a lot closer than the buzz around them indicates. Still, that doesn't change the fact that Waddell needs to make a big splash. The Athletic's Dom Luszczyszyn puts their needs into a nice, easy to read graphic:

Lets run through those red boxes, real fast. At the top is the need for a franchise forward. I think Adam Fantilli is ready to fill that role, but the Blue Jackets need to go out and acquire someone to help take some of the scoring pressure off of him. Not unlike what the Canadiens did for Lane Hutson this year, adding Dobson into the mix. Hutson took a massive step for them, with the right support.

Now, if they can acquire that player and help get Fantilli playing up to his true potential, what does that do for Kirill Marchenko? I have no issues penciling him into the second red box, the one labelled "star forward".

But, if not, maybe that's precisely where you pencil in the big splash name you went out and picked up. Whether that's Dylan Larkin, or Jordan Kyrou, or Jason Robertson; this is the kind of acquisition Waddell needs to make this summer.

I firmly believe that the shutdown forward role can be filled by Charlie Coyle, and/or Cole Sillinger. Aside from that, everything else looks to be pretty well in place for the Blue Jackets. There is just the need for one big piece. It's time to get that done.

All of this doesn't even mention that Rick Bowness is here. He did not come out of retirement to help a team play in the middle of the pack. This team is in win now mode.

To be clear: Waddell cannot get beaten out by a better offer if one of these players becomes available to him. Now is the time to strike, while the iron is hot. Otherwise, it feels like this team will be headed back into another rebuild; but without their Norris Trophy winning superstar on defense.

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