As we get closer to the start of the NHL season, waiver activity is picking up as teams finalize their opening night rosters.
That means there are some good players being placed on waivers, which gives any NHL team the chance to put in a claim. Usually, players pass through unclaimed, but a team like the Columbus Blue Jackets could see an opportunity, depending on who’s available.
Right now, the Blue Jackets have 43 of 50 standard contract spots filled, so there’s room to add someone.
They’re in a spot where they want to compete for a playoff spot, so any claim has to make sense for the roster. Think Dante Fabbro, who they claimed off waivers from the Nashville Predators last season. He fit right in.
Over the next 24 hours, some notable players are expected to hit waivers. Today, it was Erik Gustafsson of the Detroit Red Wings and Max Jones of the Edmonton Oilers. Tomorrow could bring even bigger names.
If that happens, general manager Don Waddell will need to seriously consider making a move. Calle Jarnkrok from the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a perfect fit for the Blue Jackets bottom six if he hits waivers.
At the end of the day, it all depends on who gets waived before the season starts. But if history tells us anything about Waddell, if a player improves the team, he won’t hesitate to claim them.
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