Now that 2021-2022 is over I started thinking about the CBJ roster for next season. I think projecting what the roster will look like is nearly impossible with Jarmo in charge because he is so unpredictable. That said, I thought it'd be fun to discuss what this team needs and how we get there.
What we know: the CBJ have eighteen players under contract for next season. 12 Forwards, 5 D-Men and 1 Goalie totaling about $55 Million in salary cap.
- Jake, Gus, Bjorky, Boone, Kurls, Tex, Robinson, Silly, Chinny, KJ13, Danforth and Marchenko
- Z, Gavrikov, Bean, Peeker and Bayereuther (I add Bayereuther here because he has a contract but I could see him as the #7/first AHL call up next season. He's the new Scott Harrington...perhaps maybe a little more reliable).
- Elvis
Assuming Laine ($8 Million), Rosy ($3 Million), Blank ($1 Million), Boqvist ($1.5 Million) and Tarasov or another goalie ($1.5 Million). I do not expect our draft first rounders to make the roster (Silly was an exception) and this does not include guys moving between the AHL/NHL like TFW, Gaunce, Carlsson, Foudy or Carson Meyer and nothing about Bemmer who is an RFA.
That puts the roster at 23, a full NHL roster for about $70 Million. But clearly changes MUST be made. This team needs to get much better defensively and needs some physicality to challenge the Tom Wilsons and Ryan Reaves of the world. About $12 Million under the cap to play with but would be surprised if Jarmo goes North of $75 Million.
So some players are going to be moved and some players are going to be brought in. What say you guys?
