If you live in Columbus you understand the craziness of the Independence Day holiday in this city. It seems every suburb, municipality and even homeowner's association has a fireworks show. The city's minor league baseball team gets into the action with fireworks 3 consecutive nights at the downtown ball park. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the 'biggest fireworks show in the midwest' Red, White and Boom!
While this town reserves the 4th of July for fireworks, picnics, baseball and the pool, Jackets fans were looking for some free agent fireworks from the CBJ. With the remaining UFAs, that just wasn't going to happen. They did ink Scott Harrington to a 3-year-deal with a cap hit of just over $1.6M providing good depth on D.
Looking through the TSN.ca list of remaining UFAs I don't see any top line talent. And if they are considered top line talent, it is going to be a long season. There is some depth still out there that could be had for a reasonable price.
Michael Ferland
Former Calgary Flame and current-ish Hurricane has a current cap hit less than $2M last season. With back-to-back 40-point seasons (and a likely 20-goal scorer) that salary will rise. It is actually a bit surprising, given what is left out there, that he hasn't been scooped up yet. Is he asking for too much money or term? He is only 27 years old, with increasing stats as he has had an increasing role. You wouldn't expect him on the top line, but certainly could play on the second line. The fit isn't good for Columbus as the Jackets have a glut of 2nd/3rd line forwards.
Ryan Dzingel
He played his college hockey in this city, although the Buckeyes are more known their football and basketball teams. I'm not sure how many fans would remember his time at THE. He underwhelmed in his time with the CBJ as a trade deadline acquisition. He, like Ferland, given an opportunity has seen an increase in his statistical output with 20+ goals in each of the last two season. He would also be set to get a raise this summer and may remained unsigned because of a high asking price.
Patrick Maroon
Here is a guy who just had a dream playoff run. He is from St. Louis and had several stops in the NHL before arriving back in his home town to raise the Cup. Rather than a high-output guy (he only scorec 20+ goals in the NHL once), he brings grit and heart. Going up and down the current CBJ roster the closest to a guy like this is Dubi or Foligno, and that is a stretch at best. Some would offer Jenner as the sandpaper guy on this team and I can agree with that. But, Jenner also has skill and touch for a 3rd line guy that I would rather see him develop in contrast to a rough style of play. Maroon could fit, give Jenner the opportunity to play a skill role and reinvigorate the Jackets 3rd line with some big hits. At a price tag around $2M per, it may be worth offering a 2 year deal.
Now, lets discuss the elephant in the room. Zack Werenski remains unsigned. With the lack of UFAs available and the significant amount of cap space, it is perplexing that Z isn't signed yet. I realize you don't just throw money and term at a guy because you have cap room, but this guy is a #1 defensemen. While Jackets fans should remain optimistic, every day that passes could result in an offer sheet or worse, a rift between team and player that could result in a hold-out or exit from the team. While the NHL is abuzz with talk of an offer sheet for Marner, a team could target Werenski with a contract too. From Aho's comments after signing with MON, it seems that young RFAs find their only bargaining power by signing an offer sheet. While he may fully intend to play in Columbus, he could sign a player-friendly contract with another team to force the Jackets to match. A contract like that could haunt the CBJ in years to come. I would rather see Columbus and Werenski come to terms on their own.
You may think this is not a real possibility, but did you see the run on defensemen in UFA and via trades? Pre-July 1 Karlsson, Coburn, Edler, Sanheim, Reilly and Gunnarsson were all locked up by their current teams. Myers, Stralman, Benn, Nemeth, Murray, Ceci, Chiarot and Zadorov were quickly snatched up after free agency opened. On the trade front we saw Maatta, Trouba, Subban, Colin Miller, Zaitsev and Barrie headline deals. Defensemen are a hot commodity and I would imagine Werenski would find his name on several team's wish lists.
The 'firework' that CBJ fans should be watching for is a Werenski signing.
Thank you for reading.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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