Well, its not exactly the off-season, but it kind of feels like it. Columbus has cemented their goalie position for the near future. Elvis and Korpi each signed 2-year deals recently, with a total cap hit of $6.8M. For an All-Star goalie and arguably the best rookie goaltender (and one of the hottest goalies in the league for a decent stretch) that price tag is good. It also gives both players the opportunity to prove their worth over the next two seasons. Both are young (Korpi = 26; Elvis = 25) with a big opportunity when these contracts expire.
As many of you know, Elvis had a rough beginning in the NHL. He struggled with erratic opportunities to play as the back up and terrible results. When given the net full time he proved his potential. Through the bad start and hot streak his numbers (so far) this season were strong: 13-9-8, 2.35 GAA, .923 Sv% and 5 shutouts.
In his first full season as the starter Korpi was named to the All-Star game before a knee injury that caused a lengthy absence. His numbers too were solid: 19-12-5, 2.60 GAA, .911 Sv% and 2 shutouts.
Comparing this goalie situation to what could have been...
For the next two seasons Columbus has a goaltending tandem that will cost $6.8M, which is about the average across the league. But, as a CBJ fan, I like to make the comparison against one particular goalie who snubbed Columbus in order to find sunnier weather.
Sergei Bobrovsky signed a mega-deal to play for the Florida Panthers. Currently 31, his deal has 6 year remaining at a cap hit of a whopping $10M. This season he has posted these numbers: 23-19-6, 3.23 GAA, .900 Sv% and 1 shutout. These stats are well off his career numbers that include 278 wins, 2.54 GAA, .917 Sv% and 34 shutouts.
Last summer this was a huge blow to the CBJ psyche. This accompanied with Bread's departure and the failure to sign Duchene or Dzingel meant the demise of the Jackets. While Columbus struggles to score goals, Elvis and Kopri have softened the impact of these FA departures. Knowing how well Bob can play I hesitate to proclaim Jarmo a genius for letting him go, but their aren't any CBJ fans calling for his return.
The other CBJ signing....
Mikhail Grigorenko signed with the CBJ, terms not disclosed, at least not that I could easily find. He is a former 1st round pick of BUF, spent some time in COL and most recently played in Russia. His career NHL stats are underwhelming: 217 GP, 22 G and 42 A. He last skated on NHL ice in the 2016-2017 season. He is listed as a 6'3", 209 lbs center. Obviously that is good size and at a position the Jackets eternally need help. On the upside, he is 25 years old and is coming off 3 seasons in the KHL where he was just shy of a point per game.
There have been rumblings of the NHL starting back up in June. Will this materialize, I doubt it. There are too many different restrictions in local, county, state and countries that will prohibit the NHL start. The fear of a spike in the outbreak looms. I guess the NHL could restart, but it would have to be with empty arenas which defeats the purpose and undermines why the NHL would want to restart ($$$$).
Gov. Dewine, here in Ohio, will be releasing plans about the re-start of local business on or before Friday. He has been the bellwether that many in this country have followed, so we could know how this is going to play out by weeks end.
Stay safe, Go Jackets...
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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