Blue Jackets announce spate of roster moves

The Blue Jackets didn't practice, but they made some news Monday by announcing a bevy of roster moves.

It was expected after coach John Tortorella said the team's second simulated game, held Sunday night at Nationwide Arena, was the last major scrimmage of a two-week training camp that concludes Wednesday.

“You can ask me about any player here, it's really hard to make any assessments,” Tortorella said after another high-scoring game simulation. “We're going to keep assessing when the season starts. I think that's when you get a true assessment, especially with this camp, which is such a short camp.”

Tortorella said it was time to cut the team's roster down to its NHL group and taxi squad, a group of up to six players that was added this season to help teams manage the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taxi squads must contain one goalie at all times and players who require waivers to be assigned to the American Hockey League must first clear the waivers process to be part of it — making their AHL salaries, if applicable.

The Blue Jackets on Monday placed on waivers defensemen Gavin Bayruether and Adam Clendening, forwards Zac Dalpe, Nathan Gerbe, Stefan Matteau and Ryan Macinnis, and goalie Cam Johnson — meaning all would be eligible for the taxi squad if they go unclaimed by noon Tuesday.

The Jackets also released forwards Tyler Angle and Justin Scott, defenseman Thomas Schemitsch and goalie Brad Thiessen from camp, clearing them to join either the Cleveland Monsters or another team.

The announced moves do not get the Blue Jackets down to their NHL roster, which is expected to be decided soon.

The Blue Jackets also placed injured forward Gustav Nyquist (shoulder surgery) on injured reserve and recalled rookie goalie Veini Vehvilainen from JYP of the Finnish Elite League (Liiga) to join the Monsters, whose AHL season is slated to start Feb. 5.

Nyquist, who underwent shoulder surgery Nov. 4, is expected to miss most of the regular season. His return timetable has three to four months remaining. bhedger@gannett.com @Brianhedger

ADAM CAIRNS/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Forward Nathan Gerbe, here stretching before a Blue Jackets simulated game last week, will start the season on the team's taxi squad if he is not claimed by another team on waivers.