Expansion Draft: Columbus Blue Jackets Protection List

Another day, another protection list. Today it’s the Columbus Blue Jackets. We are just over 3 weeks away from the Seattle Kraken selecting their roster. As always, here are the rules fromt the expansion draft slated for July 21st:

• Each team can protect up to seven forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender, or nine players regardless of position.
• All players with no-movement clauses must be protected unless they’ve agreed to waive.
• Any player with two or fewer years of NHL/AHL experience is exempt.
• Teams must expose players who meet certain criteria. There must be at least one defensemen and two forwards who are under contract for 2021-22 and played at least 40 NHL games in 2020-21 or 70 NHL games total since the start of 2019-20. Teams must also expose a goaltender who is either under contract for the 2021-22 season or about to enter restricted free agency.

Forwards

Cam Atkinson – He likely won’t repeat his 40 goal season from the 18/19 campaign, especially with the fact being that he’s 32 years old. I also feel like he may not live up to the $5.875 million cap hit in 24/25 when his contract expires. But he would be a solid trade piece if he continues his 20+ goal per season pace.

Oliver Bjorkstrand – He took a big step this season. 44 points while playing all 56 games is a 64 point pace over a full 82 game slate.

Max Domi – A fresh start with a new head coach. 2021 is make or break for Max Domi.

Boone Jenner – A solid depth center that any team would love to have. Winning over 55% of your faceoffs is something a lot of teams would covet in a playoff run.

Patrik Laine – As long as the contract situation sorts itself out he’ll be on this list. What a head scratcher of a player the Finnish forward is.

Gustav Nyquist – The Jackets likely aren’t sure what they still have in the 31 year old Swede as he missed all of last season. But with so few players eligible they may as well see what’s left in his tank.

Jack Roslovic – The Jackets may have won their deal with the Jets just because of Roslovic’s addition. At 24 years old his role will only grow.

Defensemen

Seth Jones – Yet another player that wants out of Columbus. Goes to show it’s Jarmo that makes guys despise the organization and not Torts. The Jackets may need to restock the shelf in the upcoming draft.

Zach Werenski – Another solid player with a contract coming up. The Jackets got away with murder when they had him sign a $5 million bridge deal. Let’s hope Zach isn’t to bothered by that when negotiations ramp up.

Vladislav Gavrikov – A big minutes eater on the backend for the Jackets, was playing over 19 minutes a night in 2021. Certainly a replaceable level player when you look at his advanced stats but he still has value.

Goalies

Joonas Korpisalo – A very obvious choice, Merzlikins is not eligible to be selected.

Who’s available to Seattle

Forwards – Eric Robinson, Nathan Gerbe, Kevin Stenlund

Defensemen – Dean Kukan, Scott Harrington

Goalies – Matiss Kivlenieks