Brenden Gaunce, Nick Blankenburg, and Jake Bean Sign NHL Deals Away From Columbus Blue Jackets

The 2024 Trade Deadline gives and takes away every season. Today, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a deal that will last five years and give him a 5.5 Million AAV. This was the brighter side of the day as several Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters players signed elsewhere, including a favorite of mine. 

The 30-year-old Center, Brenden Gaunce, left us to join the Minnesota Wild. He agreed to a deal that will go through the 2025-26 NHL Season. He was in Columbus last season for 24 games and had 4 points with an even 2 goals and 2 assists. I have yet to see what his contract is valued at, but nevertheless, I wish him good luck with the Wild. 

Jake Bean had the 5th Line divided. Some saw value in him staying, while others wanted him traded months ago. He wasn't traded today but signed to become a Calgary Flame. This contract will take him through the 2025-26 NHL Season like Brenden Gaunce. It'll pay him roughly 1.75 million each season. Appearing in 72 games, he contributed 13 points: 4 goals and 9 assists. Again, I wish him nothing but the best across the border. 

Lastly, the one who hurt and surprised me the most was Nick Blankenburg. From the start, I've cheered him on, defending his skill against those who said he was 'too short' to be an NHL Defenseman. We signed him fresh out of Michigan, where he was Kent Johnson's Team Captain. He was a walk-on, became captain, was signed by us, and is now moving on to play in Nashville with the Predators. In his last season here, he had to deal with concussions but still managed a goal in Columbus over 12 games. He had better luck in Cleveland with the AHL Monsters, scoring 3 goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 24 games. He leaves Columbus and Cleveland for a 2-year. His first is a two-way option between the AHL and NHL, whereas the 2025-26 season is a one-way deal to play in only Nashville. No payment amount is available yet, but I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes there, and I'll treasure my hoodie with his #77 on the back.  

For right now, that's it, but Free Agency 2024 did just open. So, we'll have to wait and see if we welcome any new players or if others leave for new ice.

Good luck, Gaunce, Bean, and Blanks!       

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