The Columbus Blue Jackets Made An Addition On Day One Of Free Agency But Also Lost Some Key Pieces In Cleveland

From the start, new GM Don Waddell said he wouldn't be too active in free agency. He mentioned a few times about adding a veteran forward and a depth defenseman. He accomplished one of those things on Monday. 

They also lost some players to free agency, including key pieces to the Cleveland Monsters club that went to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Let's take a look at what they've done so far. 

Additions

Sean Monahan - A veteran of 764 NHL games, Monahan brings more than just his veteran leadership, with him comes his friendship with Johnny Gaudreau. The two played 9 years together with the Calgary Flames and know each other well. Some detractors of the Monahan signing are saying that they only signed him to make Gaudreau happy, especially at $27.5 million over 5-years. But Monahan said he's always had Columbus listed as a destination, so I'll take him at his word. 

Subtractions

Jake Bean - Bean wasn't given a qualifying offer with Columbus, which would've been at least $2.8 million. He signed a 2-year, $3,500,000 contract with the Calgary Flames on Monday. Many people predicted him leaving once Waddell was hired. 

Adam Boqvist - Boqvist was set to receive $2,600,000 in the final year of his contract with the CBJ. Don Waddell decided to buy out the last year of his deal which will only cost the Jackets $533,334 in 25-26. He has yet to sign with a team. 

Nick Blankenburg - Blankenburg was allowed to walk in free agency, as it seems he didn't quite fit the mold of what Don Waddell is trying to do. Not to mention he was hurt constantly. He signed a 2-year, $1,550,000 contract with the Nashville Predators on Monday. 

Brendan Gaunce - The former Captain of the Cleveland Monsters signed a 2-year, $1,550,000 contract with the Minnesota Wild. The Cleveland Monsters will miss their Captain there's no doubt about that. He had 39 points in 46 games for Cleveland last season. 

Josh Dunne - Dunne signed a 2-year, $1,550,000 contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Dunne had only 7 points in 25 games last season but had 11 points in 14 playoff games for the Monsters. 

Billy Sweezey - Sweezey signed a 2-year, $1,550,000 contract with the Boston Bruins. The big defenseman had 4 points in 57 games last season. 

Re-Signed

Owen Sillinger - Sillinger signed a 1 year, $775,000 contract with Columbus. He totaled 40 points in 69 games last season for Cleveland.

Cole Clayton - Clayton signed a 1 year, $950,000 contract with Columbus on Monday. Clayton had 20 points in 59 games last season. 

Remains Unsigned

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The Blue Jackets have $18,841,667 left to spend. They also need to sign Kirill Marchenko, Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, Jake Christiansen, and Jet Greaves. Waddell should have plenty of money to work with to add that veteran defenseman he's been talking about. 

Don Waddell still has some work to do, but the start of his tenure in Columbus has been interesting to watch so far as he works to put his thumbprint on this team. 

What will day two bring?

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.

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