Blue Jackets News and rumors: Monahan, Free Agency and more – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

Day 1 of NHL Free Agency has come and gone. Are you tired? Between the NHL Awards, the NHL Draft and the start of free agency, it’s been a rough time in the world of hockey.

For the first time in NHL history, teams spent over $1 billion on Day 1 of free agency. The Columbus Blue Jackets had a small hand in that. In the process, they face their biggest need coming in the 2024-25 season. This is where we start this kind of news and rumours.

Monahan Wanted Columbus

Although the Blue Jackets received what many consider to be the best center in the 2024 NHL Draft in Cayden Lindstrom, there is a good chance he will play next season in the Medicine Hat. Center ice was still a pressing need that had to be addressed at the NHL level.

GM Don Waddell wasted no time and filled that need with someone Johnny Gaudreau is very familiar with. The Blue Jackets signed C Sean Monahan to a five-year, $27.5 million contract.

In Waddell’s mind, signing Monahan accomplished the mission the Blue Jackets set out to do. In addition to finding an institution that would be the first, they brought in a seasoned veteran who could help mentor the young talent. It also helps that Monahan wanted to be in Columbus and can help in many areas.

“I think it’s leadership on our team and leadership that has the ability to be a great player,” Waddell said of what Monahan can bring. “I think we accomplished both by being able to sign Sean. It is the first site with a good history. He wears books in different places he has been. So I think what we set out to do today, we accomplished.”

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Monahan feels like he will fit in with what the Blue Jackets are trying to do. Appreciating and being close to what Columbus has to offer families.

“I think they got a small group of talented players and great veterans, Johnny (Gaudreau) being one of them, amazing captain Boone (Jenner) who I know, Erik Gudbranson who I played with. What I’ve heard are good things from past and present players who live there.”

“That thing was big for me. It’s shocking that my family came there. In the East it is in the same time zone. There are many good things about the place. I’ve never heard good things about raising your family in the city of Columbus.”

Waddell echoed Monahan’s words about Columbus being a great place. And it was a place he went to all the time.

“It’s interesting. Both Mike Priest and I talked to Sean and he said that Columbus has always been his place. Obviously having Johnny here so he can play with him but he always said this is an advantage for me to have Johnny here but that’s not why I came here. She has a newborn baby. He has heard a lot about Columbus and wants to make his home here. And that’s always encouraging to hear.”

Monahan’s life

Monahan’s journey from the time he left the Calgary Flames to now signing with the Blue Jackets has been well documented. He went to Montreal and Winnipeg in his freshman season playing 83 regular season games. He played 49 with the Canadiens and the last 24 with the Jets before the playoffs.

Monahan says this is the most confidence he has ever felt about himself and where his life is at. He says his best hockey is still ahead of him.

“I’m completely healthy now,” Monahan said. I went through a lot when I was just playing. I got hurt and when you do that, things come together. Everything is taken care of now. So I have a different approach and I feel the best I have ever felt. So I’m coming into the season. I still don’t think I played my best hockey and it’s not even close. My confidence is back. I think I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m 29, so it’s an exciting time for me now.”

The Blue Jackets have a well-documented problem staying healthy. The team hopes he can continue his good form while staying in the top-six night in and night out. He feels confident that he can do that.

Next up in Free Agency

The Blue Jackets also announced the signings of Cole Clayton and Owen Sillinger to one-year deals on Monday. However, Waddell says they still have work to do with the free programs.

One point of focus is the blue line. Although Waddell says they are comfortable where they are as a whole, they want to give the boys the chance to play they deserve. But that won’t stop them from making moves to bolster their depth.

“Jiricek, he played games here last year,” Waddell said. “I had a good run in the playoffs in Cleveland. We want to make sure we give him a chance. We will probably add at least one guy to the depth of the team. But if you get Werenski and (Gudbranson) and Severson and Provorov right there, I mean that’s a good start. So sometimes when the younger players are ready, we want to make sure we give them that opportunity.”

Overall, expect the Blue Jackets to fill out their depth chart while taking care of their RFAs.

Side dishes

• Waddell did not have an update on Patrik Laine. He remains on the NHL/NHLPA roster as of this writing. “I wish I had something to report. Nothing new.”
• Waddell said they are in the middle of starting discussions with coaches. “I hope that in the future we will fix that. And there is no fixed time for it.”
• Some old blue jackets have found new homes. Jake Bean signed with the Calgary Flames. Nick Blankenburg signed with the Nashville Predators. Josh Dunne signed with the Buffalo Sabres. Brendan Gaunce signed with the Minnesota Wild. Billy Sweezey signed with the Boston Bruins.
• The Blue Jackets Development Camp begins Tuesday with the on-ice portion. You can find the list here.