Contrary to popular belief, Rick Nash is not the only free agent available.
The Columbus Blue Jackets went through another relatively-quiet-offseason while letting go of some veterans and adding a few young bodies up front. They also added veteran forward Riley Nash, who gives them needed depth at center ice.
The season is still a couple of months away, though, and the Jackets have an opportunity to deepen their offense even more if they so choose.
Is this needed?
Well, it's likely that Sonny Milano will be a fourth-liner right now, along with Anthony Duclair and Brandon Dubinsky.
While these three could very well have a breakout year (or in Dubinsky's case, just an overall better year), there's nothing wrong with adding some insurance if the price is right.
We took a look at the best available free agent forwards based on their 2017-2018 performance, and listed them below.
Rick Nash (LW)
- 71 GP, 21 G, 13 A, 34 P
- We know the story here. It would be one heck of a homecoming, but there's also a potential fit for Nash with the Blue Jackets. They have mutual interest in each other, and while Nash isn't ready to commit to playing in 2017-18, there may be a match with Columbus should he decide to give it a go.
Mark Letestu (C)
- 80 GP, 9 G, 14 A, 23 P
- Another one-time Blue Jacket (well, two-time), Letestu was in the news this week for agreeing to a professional tryout (PTO) with the Florida Panthers.
Troy Brouwer (RW)
- 76 GP, 6 G, 16 A, 22 P
- Recently bought out by the Calgary Flames, the game has become too quick for Brouwer and he would be an odd fit with a fast-skating, uptempo Blue Jackets team.
Antoine Vermette (C)
- 64 GP, 8 G, 8 A, 16 P
- Vermette's face-off prowess will likely land him a job somewhere at some point before the season begins, but there's not really a place for him on this Blue Jackets team.
Joffrey Lupul (LW)
- 46 GP, 11 G, 3 A, 14 P
- Injuries have hindered Lupul's career over the last few years, and at 34 years old, it doesn't sound like he's planning on playing again anytime soon (if ever again).
Joel Ward (RW)
- 52 GP, 5 G, 7 A, 12 P
- A perennial playoff performer over the last few years, Ward isn't getting younger at 37 years old and didn't have a strong end of the season with San Jose. We'll see if he lands somewhere before the season starts, but it likely won't be in Columbus.
Who do you believe the Blue Jackets should try and nab, if needed?
