We've reached August, and at this point the way most rosters look now is the way they will when training camp opens up next month.
Ryan Johansen still needs to be re-signed, but that's essentially the only thing left for Jarmo Kekalainen to do this summer.
So, rather than speculate about moves that are unlikely to come to fruition, I'm going to speculate about fun stuff like who should be on Columbus' 4th line next season.
Columbus' SBNation posed the question on Twitter, and I figured it's something worth talking about.
First, a look at the candidates.
That group also includes Simon Hjalmarsson and perhaps Corey Tropp, but I think those listed are the leading candidates for the available positions.
Jared Boll is one of four Blue Jackets' forwards under contract for the next three years - which I think is somewhat inexplicable for a 4th line player - so most have him penciled in as a 4th line lock. Colour me spectacle.
He has a surprisingly good penalty differential, but besides that there's not much to see. His possession numbers are the worst of the group, as is his production rate at full strength, where he'd see most if not all of his ice.
For me, the 4th line would include young speedster and penalty killer Jerry D'Amigo on the left side, Mark Letestu as the center, and a possession driving speedster who can move up and down the lineup in Brian Gibbons. Boll figures to be a lock on the team, but if the team is healthy I think he should be the healthy scratch more often than not.
This will all play out in camp, but in the meantime who would be on the 4th line if it were up to you to decide? Curious as to how you all feel about this.
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Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com