Management shuffling
Brian Hedger: The Columbus Blues Jackets made some front office promotions yesterday that included.
- Associate GM Bill Zito to Senior VP of Hockey Operations/Assoc GM and alternate governor.
- Basil McRae and Josh Flynn each promoted to assistant GM.
- Chris Clark is now the director of player personnel.
- Rick Nash to special assistant to GM.
It’s not just money with a Duchene deal … Blue Jackets willing to pay market value for Panarin and Bobrovsky
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: The Columbus Blue Jackets could have some big holes to fill if they lose Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene, Sergei Bobrovsky and Ryan Dzingel to free agency.
Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen hopes that Matt Duchene would consider re-signing, but it’s not entirely simple for the Blue Jackets side.
“It’s not just the contract. It’s also a first-round pick.”
Kekalainen when asked if they’ll have more talks with Panarin and Bobrovsky to try and convince them to stay.
“We’ve had so many talks. I flew to France last summer to let them know we love them and want them. I’ve talked to them I don’t know how many times. We’d like to keep them and keep them long term.”
Money isn’t an issue as Kekalainen said they’ll pay them market value, but if they can’t sign them, they’ll move on accordingly.
On if signing Zach Werenski is going to be difficult.
“I’m the eternal optimist. I think reasonable people can find a solution. There’s a pretty good measuring stick on the right side of him (in Seth Jones).”
There likely won’t be any buyouts, but Kekalainen adds “you never rule anything out.”
