The Columbus Blue Jackets may be staring at more than one major decision, and both involve the future of the organization. On one hand, there’s the possibility of a coaching change. On the other, there’s the question of Zach Werenski and whether his long-term future eventually becomes a real issue.
Frank Seravalli said it wouldn’t shock him if Columbus made a change behind the bench within the next 20 games. Rick Bowness, he noted, keeps calling out his players, but that message may be starting to wear thin. Seravalli also pointed to uncertainty around Werenski’s future, saying the defenseman is content for now, though the Blue Jackets will need to come back to him on a contract extension next summer.
Elliotte Friedman struck a slightly calmer note on the Werenski situation, saying everyone is wondering if the “Werenski watch” will begin again. “But I think it’s premature for that.”
If Werenski doesn’t want to commit long term, Columbus would have to take a hard look at its options.
In Buffalo, Jarmo Kekalainen went public with his support for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, but the trade chatter around the goalie hasn’t disappeared completely. Speaking Tuesday morning on WGR 550 AM, the Sabres GM said, “We believe in our goaltending…Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a really good goaltender who has a lot to give to the Buffalo Sabres and will be a big part of our future,” Kekalainen said.
That’s a clear vote of confidence, though not necessarily a full stop to the rumors. Buffalo has been mentioned in connection with Connor Hellebuyck, and the market could shift depending on other moving parts. Stuart Skinner and Clay Stevenson’s strong early-season play could make another goaltending addition less pressing for the Jets, while the New York Rangers also emerge as a possible fit after Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury.
For now, though, the Sabres’ message is simple: Luukkonen is viewed as part of the future, even if the situation could still change down the road.
Toronto, meanwhile, sounds ready to spend big if the right defenseman becomes available. Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that Maple Leafs executive John Chayka has told multiple general managers the club is willing to pay a premium for a true difference-making blueliner. One thing, however, appears to be off the table: Easton Cowan.
Friedman said the Maple Leafs believe Cowan has made major strides and see him as a key part of what comes next. If Toronto keeps him, then the trade chips could come from elsewhere, including the first-round pick acquired from Colorado and a number of prospects not yet in the NHL.
Luke Fox backed that up by suggesting Toronto shouldn’t even think about moving Cowan unless the return is someone of Zach Werenski’s caliber or a legitimate No. 1 defenseman.
In Nashville, the conversation is bigger than simply scraping into the postseason. Pierre LeBrun said on Melnick in the Afternoon that the Predators’ roster remains a work in progress, and that GM Chris MacFarland wants something more ambitious than a bubble team.
The goal, LeBrun said, is to build a club that can keep taking swings at contention instead of just chasing a wild-card spot year after year. That means the Predators may lean toward moves that help the long view rather than quick fixes aimed only at making the playoffs.
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Norris has scored in two of his last three games, and Ruff has pointed to the physical side of his game as a sign that the Sabres are getting the full package. Around him, the offense has been adding milestones too, with Tage Thompson continuing to climb the franchise scoring charts, but Norris is the one whose recent surge could matter most if Buffalo wants more consistency from its top end and its depth at the same time. [Read more 🡒]