As the Blue Jackets navigate their way through the 2025-26 season, General Manager Don Waddell is staring down a contract conundrum that’s been brewing since opening night. Back in the fall, Waddell made it clear he wasn’t rushing into negotiations with his pending free agents.
His plan? Wait until the Olympic break to reassess and make decisions with a clearer picture.
Well, that break is fast approaching, and now Waddell’s got a full plate-and not just a few side dishes. We're talking a full buffet of contract calls, with 23 players between Columbus and AHL affiliate Cleveland on expiring deals. That’s three goaltenders, six defensemen, and a whopping 14 forwards all playing for their next contract.
Some of these decisions are no-brainers. There are about nine players whose futures seem relatively set-either they’re part of the plan moving forward or they’re likely heading out.
But that still leaves 15 players in a gray area, and that’s where things get interesting. The direction of the franchise, the player’s age and role, and the development of younger talent all factor into what Waddell does next.
Let’s start with the four players who, barring something unexpected, should absolutely be sticking around.
Adam Fantilli: The Future Up the Middle
Adam Fantilli is the kind of player you build around. He’s already emerged as a top-two center, and while the points haven’t always come easy this season, the tools are all there. He’s strong on the puck, plays with pace, and has the kind of two-way upside that screams “franchise cornerstone.”
The big question is what kind of deal makes sense. A bridge deal could give him a chance to bet on himself-put up bigger numbers in a couple years and cash in big.
But if you’re Columbus, why wait? Locking him up long term now could be a savvy move if you believe in his trajectory-and there’s every reason to.
Jet Greaves: Seizing the Crease
Goaltending is all about timing, and Jet Greaves is making his case at just the right moment. He’s taken over the starting job and has been putting together consistent performances between the pipes. With no one in the system banging down the NHL door, the Blue Jackets would be wise to get ahead of this one.
This isn’t a blank check situation, but it’s close to a “get it done” priority. Greaves has earned the net, and unless something drastic changes, he should be the guy moving forward.
Cole Sillinger: The Versatile Glue Guy
Cole Sillinger might not be flashy, but he’s exactly the kind of player every team needs. He can play anywhere in the lineup, adapt to different roles, and doesn’t hurt you defensively. That kind of versatility is gold, especially when paired with 40-50 point upside.
He’s still young, still growing, but already dependable. If the Jackets can keep him on a middle-six contract, that’s a win all day.
Charlie Coyle: Veteran Presence with Production
Charlie Coyle has been one of the quiet success stories of the season. He’s fifth on the team in scoring, winning faceoffs at a 51% clip, and logging minutes in every situation-power play, penalty kill, you name it. He just hit the 1,000-game milestone and has become a voice in the room.
There’s also the market reality: big right-shot centers don’t grow on trees. Teams are always looking for this type of player, and Coyle’s doing it all at a high level. Unless Waddell gets an offer that knocks him off his feet, there’s no reason to move on from #3.
Those four-Fantilli, Greaves, Sillinger, and Coyle-form a solid foundation of what the Blue Jackets are trying to build. They represent a blend of youth, upside, and veteran leadership that’s hard to replicate.
The rest of the roster? That’s where the tough decisions come in.
With 15 more players on expiring deals, Waddell’s going to have to weigh short-term performance against long-term vision. But one thing’s for sure: the clock is ticking, and the Olympic break won’t wait.