The Columbus Blue Jackets have a very intriguing offseason ahead. With $42 million in projected cap space, they’re in a spot where they can do something meaningful. Sure, a chunk of that will go toward signing their pending UFAs and RFAs, but there’s still enough room to make a real splash if they want to. General manager Don Waddell knows what this roster needs, and a big part of improving it could come through free agency when it opens on July 1.

This year’s class has some big names. It’s headlined by Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner. Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins was supposed to hit the market too, but he re-signed in Pittsburgh. The Maple Leafs also have John Tavares potentially on the move. Add Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers, and Vancouver Canucks' Brock Boeser to that list. And of course, there’s Ivan Provorov, who may not return to Columbus next season.

But for the Blue Jackets, this likely won’t be about landing one of the biggest names. It’ll be about finding the right fits — second-tier players who can make an impact and help this team clinch a playoff berth. Waddell will be looking for guys who can step into the lineup and make an impact right away. Here are a few players worth looking at.

Ryan Donato – Chicago Blackhawks

Ryan Donato isn’t getting the attention he deserves, but he should be. He just scored 31 goals for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. That kind of production on a team like that jumps out. He added 31 assists too, finishing with 62 points in 80 games.

He makes a lot of sense for Columbus. They need more scoring depth on the wings, and Donato brings that without being a top-end talent. He’s versatile, plays smart away from the puck, and can move up and down the lineup when needed. He also gives them another option for the second power-play unit, which has been a weak spot. He’s not going to cost a fortune either. His projected deal is three years at $4.2 million per season. For a team looking to boost its secondary scoring, Donato checks a lot of boxes.

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Pius Suter – Vancouver Canucks

Pius Suter is one of those players who just helps teams win. With the Vancouver Canucks last season, he brought steady two-way play, some secondary offense, and a level of versatility that coaches love. In 81 games, he scored 25 goals and added 21 assists for 46 points. Whether he was killing penalties, sliding from center to wing, or matching up against tough competition, he an be. reliable player for Dean Evason to count on.

That’s exactly what Columbus could use. This team doesn’t need flashy bottom-six players. They need guys who can keep things under control and play smart hockey. Suter can do that. He plays with patience, and he makes things easier for his linemates. His projected cap hit is around $4.9 million over four years. That’s a little higher than some teams might want to spend for a middle-six forward, but if he gives the Blue Jackets 25-30 goals and 25 assists while providing that kind of flexibility, should be considered money well spent.

Brandon Saad – Vegas Golden Knights

Bringing back Brandon Saad might not be a flashy move, but it’s one that could pay off. The 32-year-old is coming off a tough year where he was bought out by the St. Louis Blues before landing with the Vegas Golden Knights. However, he still managed to put up a good number of points, in 72 games between the two teams, he scored 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.

He’s not the player he was during his first stint in Columbus — when he scored 31 goals back in 2015–16, but he doesn’t need to be. This time around, he’d be coming in more of a support role. He’s a reliable veteran who can give the team structure and consistency. He’s been through deep playoff runs, knows what it takes to win, and wouldn’t have to adjust to the market. His projected deal is two years at $2.5 million per season, which is great value for what he brings.

Cleveland Monsters Free Agent Situation 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. 

Whether it ends up being Donato, Suter, Saad, or someone else in that tier of players. The Blue Jackets are in a position where smart, targeted moves can go a long way. These are players who can play up or down the lineup depending on need and help take some pressure off the young core.

That’s what it all comes down to. Waddell should be looking for guys who can give support to Kent Johnson, Kirill Marchenko, and Adam Fantilli next season. Players who can come in and add more secondary scoring and lineup flexibility should be the priority. They don’t need to swing for the fences, they just find the right pieces that can help the team win.

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