A Dose Of Reality, Who Could Be Traded For A Laine Deal- 7/14/22

I'll start out saying this, Johnny was an offer the Blue Jackets couldn't refuse.  He's a talent among talents.  However, with his $9.8 Million deal now on the books, to sign Laine a player, if not many, has to go.  If you're a fan who cares about players, this post is not going to be pleasant for you.  However, I think some fans need a dose of reality.  This is for those fans who think every player is "expendable".  I have 4 degrees in business, so lets look at this like a business folks.  

Johnny Gaudreau was given a long-deal, the likes we expected for Laine.  $9.8 Million over a 7 year timeframe.  Gaudreau played all 82 regular season games, 40 goals and 75 assists.  Some incredible numbers, beyond incredible actually.  So, let's just spitball a deal for Laine, the one I've heard a lot, $8.5 Million for say 6 years.  Again, this is only for an example so we can do math.  Given he'd accept this deal, which I don't know if he would because I'm not Laine, that's a good chunk of change to make up each of those years.    

We'll go down the list of names I've heard most so far.  First is Oliver Bjorkstrand.  He has a $5.4 Million for the next 4 years.  That's not enough to fill this contract of just $8.5 Million over say 6 years.  Further, if we unload Bjorkstrand, we lose an Alternate Captain.  It makes him an easy sell, but that's a loss I have to point out here.  As for contributions to this team, he had the most goals last season and ensured this team exceeded the Franchise Record for Goals In A Season.  

Many have said Gus Nyquist will be gone.  He has just 1 year left on his deal, which helps us for 1 year, that's it.  He's $5.5 Million but again, 1 year.  That's a drop in the bucket for a long-term deal.  He's also an Alternate Captain, remember.  

Next name I've heard, Jacob Voracek.  He makes a lot more, $8.25 Million, but he has 2 years left.  Keep in mind, he had the most points of any Blue Jacket this past season with 62.  He and Laine are also a huge reason that cannon went off so much in 2021-22.  Just pointing out facts folks.  

Boone Jenner, yes the Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, also brought up to be traded.  Now he's 3.75 Million a year over the next 4 years.  Now, you could unload Bjorkstrand and Jenner, which would give you roughly 9.15 for the next 4 years.  $9 Million a year for 4 years could interest Laine.  Is it long enough though?  Is it worth naming our second captain in 2 years?  Does it make us look bad ditching a Captain who played through a back injury?  I'm not answering those questions for you, I'm just giving you options, business, that's what everyone wanted.  

Next name, Zach Werenski.  This wouldn't be wise as many reporters have mentioned "Johnny Hockey" came here to play with him.  So, 6 years for $9,583, 333 would keep Laine for sure.  Can we lose an Alternate Captain who is an experienced Defenseman?  We did sign Erik Gudbranson for 4 years with a $4 Million AAV yesterday, also from the Flames.  Again though, if "Johnny Hockey" came to play with Werenski, not wise.  

Elvis Merzlikins, 5 years for $5.4 Million.  1 extra year than Bjorkstrand, but same amount.  We have younger goalies, and they are good.  Most haven't seen an NHL game.  They could excel or not, but I wouldn't want to find out after we traded away our longest contracted goalie.  

Now, before everyone jumps down my throat again, I know we have some cap space left.  However, we have several RFA's we kept that don't have contracts.  Further, we have several amazing players in Development Camp, which just ended yesterday, which also don't have a contract.  There are other names on the books for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but most are low, in the $750,000-$2,000,000 range.  You could do that instead of letting go of the names above, but we'd lose more players.  We have more wingers than spots, so maybe that could thin us out a bit.  Again, I don't have the ability to see into the future.  I worry about us filling a full team if we have many injuries or a plyer has to step back for personal reasons, but those things happen/  We need to create space but keep depth for the unknown, it isn't my perspective, it's just smart.  The teams who went furthest in the 2022 Stanley Cup had a full backup team waiting to replace anyone and everyone on their roster.  We want a cup, we have to be able to do that too.  This post is a wakeup call for fans, which I'm sure many I'm writing this for, won't take seriously.  No player is "expendable", they all have a price beyond the price tag.  Now only who do we have to replace them, but will they strengthen another team we face, making them better than us?  

Think about what I've said 5th Line.  Most of you wait I "care" too much.  So, here you go, a non-bias perspective on what each man's price is that I saw said most to trade.  Enjoy the perspective of these men who risked their health on the ice, to represent this city, as nothing more than a dollar amount. 

Truly though, welcome to "Johnny Hokey".  I can't wait to see how you play on this team and represent Columbus.  I have high expectations to write your name a lot this season and can't wait to do so.     

Source for all Cap Numbers<  https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/bluejackets