Which pending free agents should the Blue Jackets bring back into the fold next season?

There are 9 UFAs on the NHL roster. Who comes back?

It's probably easiest to start with the guys who are most likely not going to be re-signed by the Jackets this summer. At the top of that list: Christian Fischer, who was picked up just before the trade deadline via waivers. He got into exactly one game in Columbus, playing just 9:39 and going -1 before not seeing another game. Hard to see the team bringing him back next year.

Joining him on the doubtful list are forwards Kevin Labanc, Luke Kunin, Sean Kuraly, and likely defenseman Jack Johnson.

Labanc was brought in to provide some secondary scoring, and he definitely did that when called upon. The issue here: he just wasn't called upon that often, playing just 34 games before his campaign was cut short due to injury. He was one of the last players brought in before the season, and while he was good; I think he's the wrong style of player for the bottom-six. And, ideally, they won't need another top-six option next season.

Luke Kunin was brought in at the deadline and rolled out for 12 straight games, before sitting out the last part of the season. He averaged just under 12 minutes on the fourth line and in penalty killing duty, going -4 with 0 points. We can't figure this one out, but whatever the reason, probably time to move on here.

Waddell signed Jack Johnson at the start of free agency last year to act as this team's 7th man. This was mostly for mentoring duties, which the beloved veteran definitely did well. On the ice, however, it wasn't ever perfect. He'll be 39 next year, so maybe it's time for him to move into coaching at this point.

This brings us to Sean Kuraly, who was allegedly told near season's end that he was right on the verge of being a healthy scratch. This led to some more spirited efforts down the stretch, but I have a feeling it was too little, too late. His job was made somewhat irrelevant by another pending UFA...

...Justin Danforth. It seems like the Jackets will need to pick one or the other to play on their fourth line, and Danforth looked much more effective under Dean Evason this season. With Sean Monahan, Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, Boone Jenner, and (possibly) Danforth all coming back next season; it seems like a split with Kuraly is imminent.

It's also possible that Waddell could look towards prospect Luca del bel Belluz to fill a job down the middle next season. Or, perhaps another veteran to fill the void. Either of those happening, would also leave Danforth without a contract.

There are three guys we would love to see return.

Would it surprise you that 35 year old James van Riemsdyk was the sixth highest scoring forward on the team? If you watched the games, it shouldn't. JVR was everything the Blue Jackets needed him to be on the ice; and off the ice, his contributions to the young players here are immeasurable. At his exit interview, he mentioned being open to returning for another year. Yes, please.

Don Waddell has also talked about overhauling his blue line, which means he may have to make tough decisions on both Dante Fabbro and Ivan Provorov. My opinion? Bring them both back, and make your changes elsewhere. Like here.

After being plucked off of waivers, Fabbro was steady alongside Zach Werenski on this team's top defense pair. His play allowed Zach to open up and have arguably the greatest individual season in Blue Jackets franchise history. A 3 or 4 year deal could make sense for both sides here, if the dollars are reasonable.

When it comes to Ivan Provorov, the biggest issue I have with letting him walk is that you immediately have to go out and find another #2 defenseman. That's what he was for this team this year, and while things weren't perfect; guys like this are hard to come by. So, unless you think you can convince Vladislav Gavrikov to come back to the Union Blue (dreaming), I think you have to keep Provorov around. But again, dollars and term will be a big question.

One thing that is almost certain: the Jackets will look very different when they take the ice next fall. But, even with that being the case, I think there are some good players here that they would be wise to hang onto. After all, this group came surprisingly close to making the playoffs this season. One or two tweaks could be all they need.