Priority 1: a top-six scoring forward.
One of the biggest changes from last year's CBJ team to this year's CBJ team: they don't have the same offensive mojo.
The Jackets were one of the most productive teams in the NHL last season, finishing tied for 7th in the league in goals scored. They did that by spreading offense throughout the lineup, something that hasn't happened yet this year.
The first line has been great, with Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov doing a lot of the heavy lifting for this team offensively. Since Adam Fantilli was put between them, this line has been really effective. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski has shown flashes of contending for the Norris Trophy again this season.
Aside from those four, things have been really hit or miss. The team's next best line has been their checking line, with Charlie Coyle sitting fourth on the team in scoring.
Not to knock on Charlie, as he's been really good, but...having their third line/matchup center this high up in points is not ideal for a team with playoff aspirations. The fact of the matter is, the Jackets aren't getting anywhere near enough from their second line. No matter who has been on it.
They have the makings of a successful line here, but a lot of that offense revolves around Kent Johnson. He started the season very slowly before looking a little better lately.
Sean Monahan is the current center here, and he is more than serviceable in this role. Honestly, he's the perfect fit between two offense-first wingers. He can chip in some offense while winning faceoffs and playing his responsible two-way game.
The problem: there is no winger capable of producing on the other side. Boone Jenner was the early fit, but for all of the good things he brings, he just doesn't have the skill or pace to play in this role over a full season. And, he's on IR right now.
Yegor Chinakhov, Cole Sillinger, Luca del bel Belluz, and Miles Wood have all seen stretches in this spot with mixed levels of success. But none have grabbed the reins and given this team enough to stay on this line.
Don Waddell may be best suited to get on the phone and try to swing a deal for someone who can play on this line. If they could acquire a player without giving up too much from the active roster, this would be a huge help.
Just one question: why didn't they just bring back the guy who did so well here last season?
They could use one other piece, as well.