Happy Holidays, Hockeybuzz! For the current holiday season of giving with Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, and the Year, this is my wish list for what I would gift the Blue Jackets organization.
Mathieu Olivier — short term contract extension
Waddell has made it clear he would like to keep him here. Olivier is having a career year. Players like him are needed to keep a team going in the playoffs. Great get by Kekalainen, but Waddell wanting him publicly may give the Mississippi native’s agency some leverage.
Ivan Provorov — a middle of the road contract extension
After the recent developments of younger brother Vladimir committing to Ohio State and lack of public willingness for players to want to stay in Columbus, it may be wiser for Waddell and company to lock Provorov in his prime years of his contract. Do not exceed five years.
Zach Werenski — Norris Trophy
Look at the year he is having. There’s enough evidence to show him that trophy.
Boone Jenner — Masterton Trophy
The Columbus captain has dealt with a load of adversity, from personal struggles with family to the loss of Gaudreau to missing most of the entire season.
Elvis Merzlikins — a change of scenery
Merzlikins knows. The fanbase knows. Waddell and Davidson know. Merzlikins is still in need of a change of scenery. This will give the Jackets some better goaltending.
Sean Monahan — Messier Leadership Award
While it generally goes to the captain, Monahan has dealt with so much press and leadership opportunities through Gaudreau. While players that tend to win have shown a spotty past once winning the trophy, Monahan is a different case altogether.
Kent Johnson — Polar Express Movie
Kent Johnson believes this season. Like the theme in the film, Johnson has been able to turn it around, and make his extension look like a bargain.
Adam Fantilli — Puck Luck
Fantilli has continued to underwhelm this season with 15 points in 36 games. The third selection from 2023 has Monahan covering his flaws as the top center in Columbus.
Dante Fabbro — One Year Extension
Fabbro has shined since arriving to Columbus through the waiver wire. With Gudbranson injured; Jiricek traded; and Boqvist and Bean bought out, the Jackets defense has had plenty of change. Waddell will ultimately decide.
Sean Kuraly — One Year Extension
His veteran leadership belongs in Columbus, as he is one of the main leaders in the meetings with Gudbranson; Jenner; and Werenski.
Kevin LaBanc — playoff hopes
After failing to make the Devils out of camp, the former Shark has shined in Columbus’ depth chart.
Zach Aston-Reese — playoff hopes
After being a waiver claim off Vegas, the former Penguin has been quality veteran depth for the Blues Jackets. If things worsen in Columbus, expect ZAR to go to a playoff team.
Jake Christiansen — bridge deal
Evason is a big fan, as he made the team out of camp. Expect a short term bridge deal if he and Waddell work something out.
Mikael Pyyhita — Cleveland stint
He is lacking true production in Columbus and needs the time in AHL to help him out.
Jordan Harris — development
Harris needs more time to become a quality NHL defenseman rather than a depth defender. If he came back near league minimum instead of his $1.4M salary from Montreal, he could stay another year.
Jack Johnson — Outdoor Moment
The veteran blue liner is nearing his career’s end. The former Michigan Wolverine could have a season highlight at the Shoe.
Daniil Tarasov — consistency
Tarasov has not had the best 2024-25 season, and needs some consistency to help himself become a full time starter.
Jet Greaves — opportunity
While having a successful season in Cleveland, he is not having the consistent success in Columbus. If he were have more minutes, it may help the undrafted goalkeeper.
Justin Danforth — full health
Danforth has had a rather unhealthy year, and this is hoping he becomes 100%
James van Riemsdyk — a Cup
He had some minutes and playoff appearances in the Eastern Conference, maybe a stint near home with the Devils may give him his Cup.
Yegor Chinakov — the goal scoring touch
Once healthy, Chinakov can regain his sniper touch.
Dmitry Voronkov — JvR mentorship
If Voronkov can learn to crash the net like JvR, he may have a better career.
Damon Severson — a team friendly redo
While there have been calls to buy out the veteran defenseman, this may be something the organization would like to redo for the defenseman.
Cole Sillinger — Sean Minahan’s hands
With faceoff possession being a weakness to the organization, having Monahan’s hands on Sillinger may better the Jackets’ possession stats.
Kirill Marchenko — playmaker opportunities
While leading the team in goals and points, the Russian winger could better his stats with more assists.
Denton Mateychuk — full minutes
After getting his NHL debut before Christmas, the rookie NHL defenseman has a chance to shine behind Werenski and Provorov while learning from Johnson.
James Malatesta — the enforcer title
If he could learn from Olivier, he could become a miniature version of Marchand.
Erik Gudbranson — a healthy shoulder
The physical blue liner deserves this one.
Trey Fix-Wolansky — brief NHL stint
Luca Del Bel Belluz — NHL games
Cayden Lindstrom — Memorial Cup
Stanislav Svozil — NHL stint
Daemon Hunt — CBJ debut
Owen Sillinger — NHL game with Cole
Dylan Gambrell — Calder Cup
Gavin Brindley — Adam Fantilli
Rocco Grimaldi — NHL contract
Madison Bowey — NHL contract
Roman Achan — apples
Joseph LaBate — veteran tag
Hunter McKown — Calder Cup
Justin Pearson — Calder Cup
Corson Ceulemans — discipline
Jake Gaudet — goals
Samuel Knazko — a goal
Max McCue — AHL enforcer
Luca Pinelli — WJC medal
Jordan Dumais — Clean Sheet
Cameron Butler — AHL Opportunity
Luca Marrelli — OHL Trophy
Ole Julian Bjorgvik-Holm — AHL Opportunity
Nolan Lalonde — further development
Zach Sawchenko — Calder Cup
Dean Evason — a thank you from Minnesota
Don Waddell — a thank you from Carolina and John Davidson
John Davidson — a thank you for stepping aside
The Fans — Playoffs
Coaching Staff — better special teams
Development Staff — better resources
The Gaudreau Family — Peace
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