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The Jackets Are The TDL

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OWSH45's picture
January 27, 2025 at 2:18pm
6 Comments

It's that time, again. As we edge towards the end of January, the rumor mill is starting to fill up with thoughts concerning which teams will be buyers and which sellers. With the mess in the Eastern Conference, where just about every team not in the top three positions is in the running for a wild card spot - and third place in the Atlantic Division seemingly up for grabs at times - it's almost impossible to decide who'll be buying and selling.

Throwing a huge monkey wrench into this is our own Columbus Blue Jackets. All summer, predictions were that the Jackets would struggle to avoid last place in the league, challenging Chicago for the best chance of getting the first overall pick in this summer's draft. And that was before the Gaudreau tragedy and the injuries to Jenner and Gudbranson. But the Jackets refused to follow the script and have bounced around the Eastern Conference wild card slots for the last few weeks.

I've been trying to follow the rumors, but they contradict themselves from day to day. However, there are a few facts.

1) Provorov will be a UFA at season's end.

2) Jenner could be returning before the 4 Nations break.

3) The Jackets have the most cap space in the league.

But what those facts mean is up in the air. My best guess is that, if the Jackets are close to a playoff spot, they'll make a big effort to sign Provorov. Jenner likely will play on the wing, possibly on the 3rd line, when he comes back. And Severson will be shopped, the Jackets retaining 1/3 to 1/2 of his salary, for someone with a year or two on his contract. 

The moves won't help the Jackets go on a deep playoff run. With the insanity in the Eastern Conference, they might not even get the Jackets in the playoffs. But keeping Provorov teamed with Mateychuk, thinning the overload of two-bit defensemen on the roster and adding a veteran to help mentor the Jackets younger players will strongly benefit the team next year and help set them up for success after.

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