It's officially summer, so know this: we're all grasping at straws.
Aside from a weirdly announced-but-kind-of-not-really-announced departure of goaltending coach Ian Clark, it's been a quiet offseason (to this point) for the Blue Jackets. Yes, the Stanley Cup Final is still being played and the action doesn't truly pick up until the NHL Draft later this month, but this is the time to start figuring out what's next.
TSN's annual Offseason Game Plan series from Scott Cullen is always interesting. He outlines the major decisions for GM Jarmo Kekalainen – potential contract extensions for Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and Zach Werenski – and also what they can do to add depth to a roster that sorely needed some.
There is, however, one *interesting* bit: the potential options listed.
While it doesn’t seem like the Blue Jackets are in position to make a big free agent addition, they could look into a depth winger like Antoine Roussel or Ryan Reaves. Not every team digs tough guys, but that still seems to hold appeal for Columbus.
Ryan Reaves, a fourth-liner for the Vegas Golden Knights and a pending unrestricted free agent, is suggested as a fit for the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets, a team that needs reliable offense behind Artemi Panarin, probably shouldn't be looking in Reaves' direction even though he's a solid role player on a good Vegas team.
Cullen also says the Blue Jackets seem to have room for tough guys, but one look at their roster and depth chart suggests otherwise. Either way, don't count on Reaves signing with Columbus this summer, but it's an interesting read nonetheless full of storylines to keep an eye on as we get deeper into the silly season.
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