Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Second RFA- A Forward- Which Means Moves Are Coming For Sure (7/13/22)

If my post gave you confidence in Patrik Laine being signed, I understand your confusion now as we sign a Forward during the first day of Restricted Free Agency.  The Second player signed today during such is a Left Wing from the Calgary Flames, the same team our new Defenseman (Eric Gudbranson) came from in our first Restricted Free Agent signing of the day.  The Left Winger is Number 13 (which will have to change as Kent Johnson is currently wearing that number) Johnny Gaudreau. He is 5'9, 165 Lb. and is 27-years-old now but will turn 28 before the 2022-23 NHL Season begins, on August 13th. He's from New Jersey and interesting enough, was drafted by the Flames in 2011, meaning this is his first time being on a new NHL team in his long career.

Now 5th Line, prepare to pull your jaw from the ground, because these numbers will blow your mind.  He played all 82 games this season.  He had 40 goals and 75 assists, putting him at 115 points for just the season ALONE.  Normally I don't use cap long, but this time it's justified.  With an Average Annual Value of what Aaron Portzline is hearing around 9.5 Million...I'm curious where this leaves Patrik Laine.  A follow up post from Portzline states that fans shouldn't be concerned about this singing affecting a deal with Laine.  However, also according to Portzline, this deal for Gaudreau is 7 Years.  That's a long-term deal, the same type and number many reporters (myself included) could've seen Laine signing.  However, Laine had about half that point total this season.  This leads me to be sure that the Columbus Blue Jackets are going on a lower end deal, based on this signing especially, and Laine just isn't willing to take it.  So, the next few days will be ones to watch for this team, and especially Patrik Laine.  I know Aaron Portzline said to not worry, I respect him, but this deal makes me wonder heavily if a deal will happen.  If it doesn't, it seems that this new Left Winger might be a backup, if Laine isn't signed or if someone is injured.  

Aaron Portzline did say one other thing after announcing this signing tonight.  It is ominous but true, especially now, "They can keep them both, but other moves are now necessary. "  By both Portzline is referring to this new Left Winger and Laine, in regard to "other moves", it's very clear that if both of these big name players stay...possibly several well known and loved players, could be leaving Columbus.  I'm stunned in both that we got this player, and that the Columbus Blue Jackets have now put themselves in such a position. This is just my being honest with you 5th Line.  I feel Change is heavy in the air...and I don't know if it was necessary or worth it.  As a fan I hope so, as a blogger who has now followed this team on two platforms for over two years, I'm a bit confused.  This is especially true after seeing the talent we picked up in the Draft today, during the final day of Development Camp.  Are these players to the caliber of these two RFA's?  Not yet.  Could they be in a year or two?  I believe so, yes.  Again, I'm impressed we got these players, but given the shift we'll now make to accommodate them and their contracts, I'm confused.  It will be interesting to see how things play out the remainder of this off-season, more more so than ever.   

(Note, both signings are in need of NHL approval, due to them being Restricted Free Agents.  However, I see no reason why they won't go through.)  

Source:  

Aaron Portzline on Twitter

Tweet 1:  "#CBJ deal for Johnny Gaudreau is pending league approval. Hearing it’s seven years with an AAv in the neighborhood of $9.5 million."

Tweet 2:  " #CBJ say signing of Johnny Gaudreau does not preclude them from signing Patrik Laine, who is currently an RFA. They can keep them both, but other moves are now necessary."