One of the Columbus Blue Jackets' top objectives this off-season should be to boost their forward group. Because of this, they have now been urged to sign this year's top pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) if he hits the market. In a recent article for The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7282104/2026/05/16/nhl-free-agent-players-targets-teams-offseason/], Aaron Portzline argued that the Blue Jackets should try to bring in Alex Tuch if he hits the free-agent market this summer and if they end up losing Mason Marchment or Boone Jenner. "Tuch, who has scored 30-plus goals in three of the last four seasons, would give the Blue Jackets a 'finishing' boost to help Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli carry the offensive load. He could also help create something in Columbus that’s long been missing: a legitimate power play," Portzline wrote. The idea of the Blue Jackets signing Tuch is certainly a fascinating one. The 30-year-old winger is an impactful top-six power forward who would undoubtedly strengthen their forward group if signed. However, with Tuch being the best free-agent forward who can hit the market on July 1, he is due for a significant raise from his current $4.75 million AAV. That remains the case whether he ends up re-signing with Buffalo or signs elsewhere. As a result of this, he would be an expensive pickup for the Blue Jackets. Yet, with the Blue Jackets looking to take that next step and be a playoff team, it could make sense for them to make a bold move and sign Tuch. The 2014 first-round pick would be a strong addition to their top six, and his 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games this season shows that.
