The Columbus Blue Jackets may be looking at their goaltending picture a little differently in the near future, and Aaron Portzline says a move could be coming.
Jason Gregor relayed Portzline’s read on the situation, saying, “Be on alert for a PTO signing, maybe Connor Ingram (just retired today), or a waiver claim due to the shoulder injury for Merzlikins. They are hoping they have a clearer sense of how long he is out when he meets with doctors in Switzerland this week and then in Columbus next week.”
There’s also a forward worth watching in Columbus. Mark Scheig identified Gustav Nyquist as a free agent name to keep on the radar, noting that he lives near Columbus and has been skating with the team in its informal sessions. Scheig added that Nyquist is still looking for the right fit for this season.
Around the league, contract talks for Cutter Gauthier and Drake Batherson could be affected by the calendar as September 15 approaches. On Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman said Gauthier’s situation is still active, but not necessarily close to finished.
“Now, somebody Ducks fans were asking me if that meant that Gauthier was close. I don’t think one means the other.
I’ve heard they’ve been working at it. I don’t think he’s gonna get what Carlsson got, but I don’t think he’s asking too far away.”
Friedman then pointed to the league’s upcoming rule changes on the 15th and 16th, when maximum term drops from eight years to seven and contract structure changes as well.
“You know, I’ll tell you next week, the 15th and the 16th. That’s when the rules change.
Not only eight years down to seven max, but also the way you can structure these contracts, and it’s a big deal. Like between Gauthier, (Adam) Fantilli, Drake Batherson in Ottawa, all of those situations could be affected by not only the change in term, but the change in variables and front-loading and things structure.
And I think there’s a chance if those players go past the switch over to the new rules, I think there’s some question about whether those negotiations might go sideways. So deadline spur action, we’ll see what happens with those three players and others.”
Bukauskas followed up on Batherson, asking whether Friedman’s view had changed since the last podcast. Friedman kept it simple: “I still think there’s a path to a deal there.”
In Other News...
Blue Jackets Fans Get An Early Look At Columbus' Next Wave
Before the Blue Jackets get into the grind of training camp, their young players will have a chance to make an early impression at the 2026-27 NHL Prospects Tournament in Detroit. The event runs Sept. 12-15 at the Belfor Training Center and gives Columbus a controlled setting to evaluate the next wave of talent before the real pace picks up, with rookie camp featuring 23 players and Nick Bootland coaching the group.
For Blue Jackets fans, it is the first true glimpse of how the organizations recent draft haul and signed prospects are starting to fit together. Columbus follows that tournament by opening training camp Sept. 16, then moving into preseason play on Sept. 21 before the regular season begins Oct. 1, so this stretch offers a quick look at which young skaters might be ready to push for more serious attention. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jackets Are Betting This Approach Finally Ends Their Frustrating Slide
Don Waddell spent a good part of his recent roster discussion making the case that the Blue Jackets are in a better place than the standings have suggested the past few seasons. The general manager pointed to recent additions, the defensive progress under coach Rick Bowness and the decision to keep the core intact rather than chase a bigger shake-up after another playoff miss. Even with a shortened training camp and a compressed preseason schedule, Waddell sounded confident the group has had enough time to get ready and understands what this season needs to look like.
The younger players still matter in that equation, especially with the staff wanting a closer look at Jack Williams and Luca Del Bel Belluz while Isac Lundstrm is out. Columbus has spent enough time searching for answers that the next step may be less about a sweeping fix and more about whether the current roster can hold together long enough for the structure and the new pieces to matter. Waddells stance suggests the organization believes the gap is smaller now, but the real test is still waiting when the games count. [Read more 🡒]