Blue Jackets looking to add forward depth in free agency

The Blue Jackets forward group has been thinned out in recent weeks.

The team moved Patrik Laine to Montreal while Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed late last month.

Meanwhile, GM Don Waddell told reporters Saturday including Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch that forward Justin Danforth wont be available for the start of training camp due to a hand/wrist injury.

Danforth sustained the injury late last season and underwent offseason surgery.

However, it appears that the recovery isnt going as well as possible and hes set to be re-evaluated on Monday.

The 31-year-old posted a career-best 10 goals and 16 assists in 71 games last season while spending time on the wing and down the middle, making him a capable role player.

But now, his availability for the start of the season is in question.

By his count, Waddell states that the team is down to just 10 healthy regular forwards heading into training camp.

While players like Trey Fix-Wolansky, Gavin Brindley, James Malatesta or free-agent signing Dylan Gambrell could play their way into the mix, it stands to reason that theyll be looking to make some additions up front.

While some might expect those moves to come on the trade front given that theyre nearly $3M below the $65M cap floor per PuckPedia , it doesnt appear that will be the case.

Instead, Waddell indicated that their intention is to sign one or two forwards before training camp, relays Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

These would be players on full contracts, not tryouts.

However, the list of remaining unrestricted free agents isnt exactly the deepest, especially among those who arent tied to a team via a PTO.

Among the remaining options that havent secured a tryout are wingers James van Riemsdyk, Mike Hoffman, Kyle Okposo, Blake Wheeler and Phil Kessel, who hasnt given up hope on playing after not suiting up last season.

While signing a couple of those players would help, it wouldnt get them to the cap floor, barring an over-payment on those contracts.

However, Hedger relays that he has been in talks with the league and the NHLPA about that and isnt concerned at this time about being penalized if they stay under that number this season.

While thats something for them to worry about later on, in the meantime, it looks like Columbus will be making a signing or two in the coming days.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission..

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