New trade between the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets for two forwards? Statement from GM Don Waddell
The tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau leaves a huge void in the NHL, the hockey world, in so many lives, and in Columbus.
The grieving process is just beginning for the large Columbus Blue Jackets family, and the team's general manager, Don Waddell, must face not only the human consequences of the tragedy but also the technical ones. It's unfortunate to say, but the team must replace the club's number 13.
As a result, the GM saw his player's $9.75M per year salary removed from the payroll. This action puts the Blue Jackets below the salary floor. With the season fast approaching, Waddell will need to find a solution to meet the salary cap requirements.
He signed James van Riemsdyk in the last few hours for $900,000 per season, but it's still not enough.
A new trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets? Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia targeted
The GM openly mentioned this weekend that he needs to add not one but two forwards to his lineup. He is in contact with free agents who are still unsigned ahead of the upcoming season.
Another option available to Waddell could be through the trade market.
He could even turn to his most recent trade partner, Kent Hughes, to solve his issue.
Indeed, the Canadiens have several overpaid forwards in their lineup, while the Jackets suddenly have a lot of salary cap space. Kent Hughes could take advantage of this to balance salaries after the Laine trade by offering, for example, Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, or even Brendan Gallagher.
Considering the good relationship between the two GMs and the delicate situation, Kent Hughes likely wouldn't drive a hard bargain...
However, let's not dream; Anderson and Gallagher will likely remain part of the Canadiens in the coming weeks.
As Mathis Therrien from the DLC site mentions, Waddell might be more open to trading for Dvorak and Joel Armia.
Both are in the final year of their contracts, which would give Waddell some breathing room during the season.
According to Puckpedia, Columbus has committed $62.3M for the upcoming season on 22 players. That leaves them about $2.7M short of reaching the $65M salary floor. It will be interesting to see what the GM does to comply.
Will Phil Kessel finally get his chance?
| POLL | ||
Would you trade Christian Dvorak to the Blue Jackets for a conditional 3rd-round pick? | ||
| Yes | 529 | 73.3 % |
| No | 193 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
