Updated 2am Nov 6, 2021
Patrik Laine joins a longer list of Blue Jackets on the injury list. Emil Bemstrom, Dean Kukan, Trey Fix-Wolanaky, Nathan Gerbe are all also injured. Domi is out with COVID. Laine has 10 points in 9 games so far. His loss will cause readjustments up and down the lineups, with Kevin Stenlund potentially getting game action with the big club.
Who moves first? My guess is Bjorkstrand as he leads with the points. Reward the effort shown by the best, and get the most from it. Else, look to the veteran wingers in Nyqvist or Robinson. Both are natural wingers for that side.
The official lineups will come out with later for the game at home against Colorado.
Speaking of official...
Jack Eichel has been dealt to Vegas. What does this mean for a team that was interested in him like the Jackets? With two first round picks and prospects in the pipeline, keep the development going. The only intriguing option that could help is Dylan Strome, who has fallen out of favor with the Chicago brass for whatever reason.
With lots of cap space, this is not a worry for the Jackets to not take on the contract or the risk of Eichel. It’s a one line super line in the flashing lights of Las Vegas.
Another option that could be moved is Columbus goalie Joonas Korpisalo, according to insiders. The pending UFA is making $2.8M, and could fetch a mid level draft pick or prospect according to Aaron Portzline of the Athletic.
This would be a shame to see him go as he is constantly second in a strong goaltending market that Kekalainen and company have developed. Elvis Merzlikins has come in and become the number one after the departure of Sergei Bobrovsky, and the most time Korpi has had was in the tandem role.
Thoughts on the Korpisalo talk?
More to come