What a frenzy it was, and maybe have become the most monumental event in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history. There were 3 moves made in the day, each of rising significance throughout the day. First, let us start with the first known loss of the team to date.
Did #CBJ win Free Agency
— Zachary (@ZakMacBuzz) July 15, 2022
Out: C/RW Kevin Stenlund signs with the Winnipeg Jets
Stenlund was the second 2nd round draft selection made by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. After spending all of last season with the AHL Cleveland Monsters at a $1.05M dollar salary, the franchise elected to not tender a qualifying off the Swede, hence him going to the free agency market. Stenlund found a new home on day one, with the Winnipeg Jets organization. Cap Friendly is reporting a one-year, two-way contract at the salary cap hit of $750K with the Jets, $350K with the Manitoba Moose.
In — Trevor Timmins
Timmins joins the Columbus staff as an assistant general director in recruitment and development for the Union Blue. Timmins and Kekalainen both worked with Ottawa in his rebirth in the 90s. Timmins just served as Montreal’s assistant general manager from 2017-yesterday.
In — RD David Jiricek
The 6th pick signed his entry level contract.
In— LD Denton Mateychuk
The 12th pick signed his entry level contract.
In — RD Erik Gudbranson
Contract: 4 years, $16M ($4M AAV)
Erik Gudbranson is a 2010 1st round selection of the Florida Panthers, going 3rd overall. Only drafted ahead of him are forwards Tyler Seguin (#2 —> Boston) and Taylor Hall (#1 —> Edmonton). All three played in the OHL. Gudbranson played with the Kingston Frontenacs, averaging around a half a point per game and a minor penalty per game in 3 seasons of development. He played his whole rookie season in 2011-12 with Florida, while splitting his sophomore slump with the San Antiono Rampage. After that, there has been no looking back to the minor leagues.
Gudbranson would be traded in the offseason of 2016, after 5 years with Florida, to the Vancouver Canucks in a draft pick exchange that would land Jared McCann as the main return.
With the Vancouver Canucks organization, he was with them through their dark period of retooling, seeing the rise of Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes. Not making the playoffs and become a well rounded physical brutalizer, the next trade came to him.
This trade was to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in a one-for-one swap with winger Tanner Pearson, who won the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.
After spending a year in Pittsburgh, he was moved once again. Back to west coast, Gudbranson was acquired by the rebuilding Anahiem Ducks for Andreas Martinsen and a pick.
In another year, he was moved during the COVID pandemic to his hometown of Ottawa for a pick. Then, at that deadline, he was moved to Nashville for another Pick with a prospect.
Being let go by the Predators, he had his first chance to sign with any team in the NHL, and the Calgary Flames with Daryl Sutter came calling for a one-year deal, at $1.95 million.
In a career year production wise, plus doubling his playoff appearances in one run with Flames that he did his entire career, he got the money and location to start his own family. The new defender sign a 4-year, $4M AAV deal to be the bruiser on the Columbus defense.
In — LW Johnny Gaudreau
The franchise is here. The Boston College alumni was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 4th round, 101st overall. Gaudreau had 609 points in 602 regular seasons games (210 goals, 399 assists) and 33 points in 42 playoff games (11 goals, 22 assists). He has been to the second round three times, plus is an NHL All Star (5 times), Lady Byng Winner (1 time — 2017), Beanpot MVP (2012), and a Hobey Baker Winner (2014).
More is coming…