Richards wants one last look before big cuts
The Blue Jackets had planned to make big roster cuts yesterday, but couldn’t quite bring themselves to it.
The absence of unsigned center Ryan Johansen, and injuries to forward Nathan Horton and defenseman Ryan Murray, have put three roster spots up for grabs, if only temporarily.
But there have been surprising performances — good and not so good — by those in the running.
Which is why the Blue Jackets will use tonight’s game at Nashville as the final look for some players.
“It’s decisions … we have to make some tough decisions,” coach Todd Richards said. “We’ll get down to a couple of extra (bodies after tonight’s game).”
Center Michael Chaput and defenseman Cody Goloubef will each play in their fifth exhibition game, tops on the Blue Jackets.
Chaput has drawn frequent praise from Richards. If he makes the club, it would be as the fourth-line center, allowing centers Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Mark Letestu to hold down the first three lines, respectively, and would allow Boone Jenner to remain in the top six on the left wing.
The Blue Jackets have said Jenner is a candidate to play center — his natural position — if Johansen remains out longterm.
But, especially with Horton (back) out, Jenner’s physical presence in the top six is seen as vital.
Other than Chaput, the other “on the bubble” forwards in the lineup tonight are Jerry D’Amigo, Simon Hjalmarsson and rookie AlexanderWennberg.
D’Amigo and Brian Gibbons came into camp as likely candidates to compete for a fourth-line job, or to make the club as extra forwards.
Six cuts
The Blue Jackets made just six roster cuts yesterday.
Defenseman Will Weber was placed on waivers. If he clears at noon today, he’ll be sent to minorleague Springfield, which opens camp today.
Forward T.J. Tynan and defenseman Austin Madaisky were sent to outright to Springfield.
Forward Oliver Bjorkstrand was returned to his junior club in Portland, Ore.
Defenseman Brett Ponich and forward Mike Hoeffel were released from tryout agreements, but will head to camp with Springfield.
Johansen still out
On Saturday, the St. Louis Blues signed restricted free agent Jaden Schwartz to a two-year deal worth $4.7 million.
For the Blue Jackets, those numbers — Schwartz will make $2 million this season and $2.7 million in 2015-16— are seen as validation for their offer to Johansen.
Johansen had 33 goals and 63 points in 82 games last season; Schwartz had 25 goals and 56 points.
Johansen has 47 goals and 96 points in 189 NHL games, or .25 goals and .51 points per game. Schwartz had 34 goals and 72 points in 132 career games, or .25 goals and .55 points per game.
The Blue Jackets have had a two-year, $6 million offer on the table since June.
Johansen’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, who initially sought $6.85 million per season on a two-year offer, has lowered his offer to $4.75 million per season.
Yesterday, Overhardt told The Dispatch via text message that Schwartz’s deal would have no impact on Johansen’s talks with the club.
Johansen will miss his 12th day of camp today.
Slap shots
Defenseman Ryan Murray has not been cleared for contact, but took part yesterday in a non-contact practice. … Defenseman Tim Erixon will return to action tonight in Nashville, his first game since blocking a shot on Sept. 21 in Carolina.