The Blue Jackets offseason has been fairly uneventful. Other than a couple of updates on prospects and players posting pictures taking vacations.
One of the first true updates of the off-season came from head coach John Tortorella while on Carpenter and Rothman that airs on 97.1. He talked about a variety of topics during the interview including William Karlsson and Capitals head coach Barry Trotz.
The most noteworthy of the bunch might be his talk about a need for a top-six forward.
"I do think we need another top-six forward," said Tortorella. "To add some more offense for us. It doesn't have to be center since they are so hard to find."
Not to mention on top of the want/ need for a top-six forward, he discussed that he would like to bring back defenseman Ian Cole as well.
"I know I'm very interested (in re-signing Cole)," Tortorella said. "And I know Jarmo (Kekalainen) is too."
Being able to add both would be considered a massive success this off-season. The Blue Jackets are on the edge of the playoff picture but some consistency would be be helpful.
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline is reporting that the interest is mutual. If a deal can be struck at the right number, Cole is open to the idea of joining the Blue Jackets.
The Athletic: Free-agent update: Ian Cole not sold on testing free agency if Blue Jackets' offer is 'right' #CBJ https://t.co/SZ91jWvJLa
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 7, 2018
Mutual interest is a good development for the team and the first step to checking off one item on their off-season to do list.
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