NHL Rumours: Columbus Blue Jackets Hope to Sign D-Men

Its time for another round of NHL rumours.

Were closing in on the start of the NHL Draft and free agency.

However, the rumours have been going non-stop.

Teams are working to sign their key players before they hit the open market on July 1.

Weve already seen some signings, but more are likely to come as next Tuesday draws closer.

One team that wants to keep some key pieces in place in the Columbus Blue Jackets .

This edition of NHL rumours deals with the team trying to sign a pair of its key defencemen.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours Columbus Blue Jackets Look to Retain Vital Defenders Rumour: David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported on what the Blue Jackets want to do with Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro .

Pagnotta said that Columbus would like to re-sign both players prior to July 1.

Analysis: The Blue Jackets were a pleasant surprise last season.

Many had Columbus struggling after tragedy struck in the last off-season.

However, the team put up a fight and were one of the last teams eliminated before the Stanley Cup Playoff field was set.

The Blue Jackets actually made a few moves to try and bolster their lineup during the deadline.

Some thought Provorov was a surefire trade candidate.

However, Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell decided to hang onto the veteran defenceman.

It was a bit of a risk to keep him with the possibility of having him walk away for nothing.

One of Waddells big moves was adding Fabbro from the Nashville Predators at the deadline.

Fabbro seemed to adjust to life with the Blue Jackets pretty well.

This could mean that he wants to stay put with the club.

The Blue Jackets have momentum on their side and Waddell seems to have some building blocks in place.

Defenceman Zach Werenski had a great season and Columbus wants to keep things moving.

What It Means Pagnotta mentions that Fabbros camp stated that talks have been taking place.

The insider mentions that Columbus is putting out things that a deal may happen sooner rather than later.

This could mean that a conclusion may be on the horizon.

However, nothing has been signed as of Thursday.

Fabbros camp told Pagnotta that a deal was not close.

His representation added that talks between both sides were only just getting started.

Things with Provorov are a bit more uncertain.

Pagnotta mentions that theres a gap between the two sides.

He notes that theres still time and that a signing could happen.

However, there is nothing new to report as of the last update.

Provorov was part of trade chatter in the run up to the deadline .

Despite this, he stayed put with the Blue Jackets in their surprise playoff push.

The Russian will likely draw interest if he does decide to hit the open market.

Hes making $6.75 million per season and could be in line for a raise.

The Blue Jackets do have over $40.4 million in cap space , but Waddell wants to be careful about how that money needs to be deployed.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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