As the NHL season approaches, the Columbus Blue Jackets are making headlines with their newfound salary cap space and potential moves. General manager Don Waddell has been shaking things up, bringing in new coach Dean Evason and recently trading Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens without retaining any salary.
Waddell emphasized the importance of maintaining financial flexibility in the Laine deal, which has left the Blue Jackets with nearly $16 million in cap space. This surplus has put them in a position to potentially take on bad contracts from other teams and stockpile picks and prospects to expedite their rebuild.
Teams looking to make deals with Columbus will likely have to sweeten the pot with draft picks or prospects in order to get the Blue Jackets to take on their unwanted contracts. While rebuilding the team may take time, Waddell’s experience and strategic maneuvering could lead to a quicker turnaround for Columbus.
Overall, the Blue Jackets have put themselves in a position to be active players in the trade market as training camps approach. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the team will utilize their newfound cap space to reshape their roster and set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
