The CBJ Writer

Okay, before I get into where we're going, I'm going to address where we are.  Why?  I want to and this is my blog!  Regarding the Oliver Bjorkstrand trade, after Bob McElligott mentioned him being someone likely traded in his July 1st podcast, it was less of a shot to me when it happened Friday.  His cap hit nearly fit what we were over to keep Laine at his new 4 year, $8.7 Million deal.  Reminder, Bjorkstrand was signed at 5 years for $5.4 Million, 4 years remained.  As I said, the math made a lot of sense.  My issue is now how it was handled.  First, Bjorkstrand scored the most goals on this team last season, with 28 total.  To me, that's worth more than a 3rd and 4th round pick.  I've seen people say this and also say it was fair, how you feel is how you feel.  Personally, I feel it should've been a 2nd and 3rd in the 2023 NHL Draft. However, with that being said I don't think this was about getting the best trade for Bjorkstran...

It's been an eventful now two days, today being the second, as the Columbus Blue Jacket release news on yet another signing.  Yesterday, #29 himself (Patrik Laine) got his deal we'd all been waiting on.  For his 4 years at 8.7 Million AAV to work however, a player had to be traded.  That player was #28, Oliver Bjorkstrand.  A bitter-sweet day for sure.   Today, we have another singing to address, one of Trey Fix-Wolansky.  When the 23-year-old Right Wing played with the Blue Jackets in the 2021-22 NHL Season, he appeared in just 6 games.  His impact in those games were felt though, with a goal and an assist.  Not bad for his first year playing an NHL game.  His deal gives him the ability to go between the AHL Cleveland Monsters and the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, just like his last one did.  This deal is only for the upcoming 2022-23 NHL season.  The payday is very different too.  If Fix-Wolansky ends up playing for the Cle...

With the good comes the bad 5th Line, and we knew this was coming.  With Laine in someone had to be out for the cap space to make his new 8.7 Million AAV Contract work, over the next 4 Seasons.  Sadly, we now know the player exiting will be Oliver Bjorkstrand, number 28.  It really hits you hard when you remember the wedding pictures of him and his new wife, from here in Ohio, less than a week ago.  Last season he appeared in 80 games, one of the highest on the team due to injuries and Covid issues.  In those games he scored the most goals at, funny enough, 28.  In addition he had 29 assists too.   He will be dearly missed and was a favorite of mine.  I wish him nothing but the best in Seattle with the Kraken.  We did gain double pick in exchange for him.  These will be available to us in next years 2023 NHL Draft, with a single extra pick in rounds three and four.  (I'd have asked for a second and third, but that's just me.)...

It's finally happened, the Columbus Blue Jacket who had one of the highest Point Streaks in franchise history has re-signed with the team.  Patrik Laine played a total of 58 games last season, with 26 goals and 30 assists, his point total for the season was a top notch 56.  The next 4 seasons look bright for him as he takes the offer given to him by the Columbus NHL Franchise, which consists of a 8.7 Million payout for the next 4 years.  A huge congratulations to him.  Yes, someone will now have to depart the team to make this payment possible, but I'm keeping this post upbeat and focused on Patrik Laine's success in staying with Columbus.  He made his desire to do so very clear and now it is a reality for him.  Oh, the chills I feel writing that 5th Line!   Now, who is ready to see Gaudreau and Laine take the ice, TOGETHER, next season?  I am!   Also, way to go Jarmo, he just keeps rolling at General Manager folks!   Go C...

Remember, don't shoot pucks at the messenger, I have no control over this!   It was just posted by Aaron Portzline of the Athletic that, and I quote from his Twitter Post: "Thread:  A big couple days for #CBJ Re:  Patrik Laine, who has until 5 p.m." Friday to accept a one-year, $7.5M qualifying offer.  Funny world, isn't it, where the Blue Jackets have made an offer they hope Laine will refuse - at least initially. 1/7"  As you all know I like to take the numbers from a trusted source, but put my own spin on the analysis.   I think it would be interesting for Laine to accept this offer.  He had a very good season last year, with a 12 game point streak, during his 56 game 2021-22 NHL Season, with a total of 26 goals and 30 assists.  56 points for a player isn't bad at all, but when you put it up against Johnny Gaudreau who the Blue Jackets just signed a week ago exactly, it's less than half his total before the playoffs.  This 115 to...

I know 5th Line, it just had to be Washington!   Jeff Svoboda Tweet on July 20, 2022: "Good luck to Gabe in Washington!" Retweet by Washington Capitals Official Twitter Account on July 20, 2022 NEWS]  The Capitals have signed defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to a one-year, two-way deal."   As Jeff Svoboda said, I wish him nothing but the best.  The 6'5m 195 Lb. Defenseman had 2 goals and 7 assists last season, over a span of 38 games.  It's sad to see you go 53 and again, wishing you nothing but the best.   Source: Jeff Svoboda Tweet on July 20, 2022: "Good luck to Gabe in Washington!" Retweet by Washington Capitals Official Twitter Account on July 20, 2022 NEWS]  The Capitals have signed defenseman Gabriel Carlsson to a one-year, two-way deal."    

The former Hockey Captain of Michigan University, who was signed the same day his fellow teammate Kent Johnson (Our 2021, 5th Overall Pick) to a 1 year Entry Level Contract for the remainder of the 2021-22 NHL Season, has been picked up for an additional 2 years by the Columbus Blue Jackets!  Many, myself included, have been waiting on this Defenseman getting a deal.  Today, the wait is over!   In the remaining Columbus Blue Jackets Season, once signed on, he played a total of 7 games.  In that time he had 1 goal and 2 assists.  Not a bad showing for going from the Men's NCAA Frozen Four, straight into the NHL.   I'm very happy to see this deal done.  He's a young Defenseman who will be utilized this season I'm sure.  We have many returning and newly signed Forwards, including Johnny Gaudreau, who will need good Defense to score.  Adding Nick Blankenburg back into the mix of who we already have is a great way to be sure that happens...