© Simon Fearn-Imagn ImagesThe Columbus Blue Jackets have had a great season. They are ahead of where they should have been in their rebuild process. Unfortunately, they fell short over the last few weeks, and it looks like it'll cost them a chance at playing in the playoffs.
However, with the way the team performed this season, there is no denying they are ready to be aggressive in free agency. There are reports that they may look at overhauling their goaltending duo, which will take up some of their available cap.
But they could also look at bringing in another scorer to help them when their younger core struggles. Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks could be a name that they target.
He will be one of the top free agents on the market and may be looking for a competitive team that also comes with a quieter market. Columbus fits that — they don't have a huge media presence, but after this season, they are a competitive team that will be competing for a playoff spot next season.
Boeser has been a victim of the media bashing in Vancouver, and while that comes with playing in Canada, he has been a very productive player for the Canucks.
In 71 games this season, he has 25 goals and 24 assists for 49 points, which is considered an average year for him. However, last season, he had 73 points in 81 games.
If he can be around that 55–60-point mark, he would be a great addition to the Blue Jackets' top six.
The only obstacle for the Blue Jackets would be the potential contract. As of right now, he is making $6.6 million, and with the cap going up, he will want a raise.
If he asks for around $7.5 million over four years, it would be a good deal. Boeser, 28, would be the highest-paid forward until Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson are due for extensions — which would be the halfway mark in Boeser's contract.
In today's NHL with the current salary cap, paying someone $7.5 million, you'd expect them to put up 60–75 points. However, with the cap set to rise over the next number of seasons, paying Boeser $7.5 million and getting 55–60 points would be considered a good pickup in free agency.
Should the Blue Jackets put their hat in the race for Boeser if he were to hit the open market on July 1, 2025?
