While the compliance buyout window doesn't open up until the NHL playoffs come to a close, I think it's probably a safe bet to say R.J. Umberger has played his last game as a Columbus Blue Jacket.
The Blue Jackets made great strides towards becoming a contending team this year, however, there's a lot of room for improvement. The defense could use some work, they need some more scoring punch up front, and Ryan Johansen needs a new contract.
While Columbus' cap situation is pretty manageable - they have over $20 million in cap space and only Johansen is in line for a big raise - buying out Umberger would provide more flexibility to build a contending team.
Umberger has been the worst shot attempt for percentage (Corsi) on the team among regulars over the last two seasons, and his production is on the steady decline as well.
Over the last few seasons he's went from a guy who can contribute in the top-6 and play in most situations, to a guy who eats a lot of minutes and doesn't really do much positive for you.
He spends most of his shifts in the defensive zone chasing play, and when he's been in the offensive zone he hasn't been able to produce.
At 32 years old, his best days are long behind him, and with three-years remaining on his contract and a cap hit of $4.6 million, potential suitors won't exactly be banging down GM Jarmo Kekalainen's doors.
I'm sure Kekalainen will test the market for Umberger and shop him around, but I think even the GMs who put grit, leadership and all those intangibles on a pedestal wouldn't be dumb enough to take on that contract.
Umberger's days in the NHL aren't done, but he won't have much - if any - trade value, and to take the next step forward and gain more flexibility to improve the team, Kekalainen will likely have to buy him out.
**
Jackets posts:
Devils posts
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com