As free agency nears the rumours surrounding the Jackets are quiet. They have expressed interest in Rick Nash but right now it sounds like Nash is deciding if he even wants to continue playing next season.
They talked, possibly even exchanged figures. I can’t confirm that injuries are part of the decision-making process, but very good reporters in Boston have said as much. I do know that where he plays is of immense importance to him now. 1/2 https://t.co/HxTRZ6Vva9
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2018
The Jackets have also kicked the tires on James Van Riemsdyk, but he’s looking for a big long-term deal which prices himself too high for the Jackets.
Oh, it matters.#CBJ made contact during UFA window, but told he’s likely headed elsewhere. Looking at a big ticket, too.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2018
He’s had 27+ goals in four of the last five years. https://t.co/RiqrXzJY6j
The Jackets likely make a small signing, maybe a depth centre or defencemen. They don’t have a ton of major holes to fill. Barring a Nash signing the biggest name they might go for is Michael Grabner, depending on his price. Grabner would be a very good Matt Calvert replacement, he’s fast and can kill penalties.
Calvert is seeing interest from Colorado. Sounds like he won’t be back.
Couple other guys to keep an eye on: hearing COL with interest in Matt Calvert and VAN with Antoine Roussel
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 29, 2018
Jack Johnson has already agreed to a deal with the Penguins.
.@MarkMaddenX first reported that the Penguins intend to sign defenseman Jack Johnson Sunday to a five-year deal. Confirming that. Source says it will be in the $16 million range total (between $3-$3.5 million AAV).
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) June 27, 2018
For the other Jacket big UFA’s (Cole, Letestu, Vanek) looks like only Cole has a chance of staying and even then it’s a small chance. The Jackets want to keep Cole around but it’s a very thin market for defencemen and with how Cole played down the stretch for the Jackets he could be looking at a bigger deal than he is worth.
Aaron Portzline reported that the team has made a three or four year offer to Cole at about $4M per season. That is about the maximum Cole should be making. He was great in Columbus but at the end of the day he’s still only a third pair defencemen. You don’t want to pay too too much for those players.
The other thing to watch for is a potential Artemi Panarin trade. Teams that miss out on the big fish might circle back to the Jackets and Panarin. It’s unlikely he’s dealt tomorrow but talks probably start to pick up tomorrow and Monday if a deal is going to happen.
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