The Columbus Blue Jackets AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, has several free agents this summer. So, not only does Don Waddell have to build a championship roster for Columbus, but he also has to help build a roster in Cleveland that not only makes them competitive but also can feed the big club should the need arise. 

Let's take a look at the UFA's and RFA's that the Monsters need to address int he coming weeks. 

Restricted Free Agents

• Mikael Pyyhtiä - F - 23 Years Old - 66 NHL Games - 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Hunter McKown - F - 22 Years Old - 22 NHL Games - 31 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Daemon Hunt - D - 23 Years Old - 13 NHL Games - 18 Points for Monsters/Iowa Wild in 24/25
• Samuel Kňažko - D - 22 Years Old - 2 NHL Games - 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm - D - 23 Years Old - 0 NHL Games - 7 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Cole Clayton - D - 25 Years Old - 0 NHL Games - 15 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Tim Berni - D - 25 Years Old - 59 NHL Games - Played in Switzerland last season

Unrestricted Free Agents

• Joe LaBate - F - 32 Years Old - 19 NHL Games - 21 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Dylan Gambrell - F - 28 Years Old - 233 NHL Games - 25 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Owen Sillinger - F - 27 Years Old - 1 NHL Game - 29 Points for Monsters in 24/25
• Zach Sawchenko - G - 27 Years old - 7 NHL Games - 10-11-7 Record for Monsters in 24/25

Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents -  To be Group 6 UFA eligible, a player must have played less than 80 career NHL games and be 25 or older when the contract ends. 

• Trey Fix-Wolansky - F - 26 Years Old - 26 NHL Games - 60 Points for Monsters in 24/25

As you can see, the Monsters have a lot of work to do to fill out a roster for the 2025-26 season. 

Will they bring any of these guys back, or let them walk and bring in a new crop? The loss of Trey Fix-Wolansky would be huge for the Monsters franchise. The Greatest player to ever wear the Cleveland uniform will most likely be signing elsewhere this summer. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to get his chance with Columbus. I have a strong suspicion we could see TFW playing overseas soon. 

Let us know what you think below.

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