Speculation: Armchair GM - 2026 CBJ Offseason Roster Moves, Rumors, and Discussion

[koteka]

Not a chance I’m moving Severson .. Defense without Severson has been dreadful .. Fabbro sucks , and should never play higher than 3rd pair .. Gudbranson shouldn’t be resigned .. so who are your RHD ?

I don’t think Fabbro sucks but he’s not been the player he was.

Does anybody wanna talk about the toilet seat perception changes regarding Fabbro and Severson? Haha, nevermind I know the answer.

Consider - Severson played better? Fabbro played worse? Severson put in the work to improve?

I have been a Blue Jackets fan long enough to know that this is exactly perfect time to trade Severson. He just had a pretty good year and actually looked like a top 4 right D on a good contract. For the first time in Columbus. Anyone want to bet money that he is the same guy next year? I fully expect him to either regress or have a major injury and look like a stupid contract again. Because Columbus. This is what happens.

Fabbro is the weirdest guy in hockey. Pair him with a top 5 defenseman in the league and he looks great. Pair him with other people and he is very subpar. I didn’t love his contract when it was signed.

My view, which is of course 100% correct, is that Fabbro is the same guy he always was but he didn’t get much time with Zach, so he seemed worse. Heck, the guy was waived last season. Severson is not the same guy he always was, and was much better, but I don’t trust that will continue.

My number 1 guy to trade is Severson because we might actually get a decent return. (But only now. His value will be a lot less next year.) And I expect the return will be better than his long term value to the club. Sell high. Voronkov and KJ both hurt themselves by their play, and the fact they both got benched probably further reduced their value. You have to hold on to them. Don’t sell low.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I have been a Blue Jackets fan long enough to know that this is exactly perfect time to trade Severson. He just had a pretty good year and actually looked like a top 4 right D on a good contract. For the first time in Columbus. Anyone want to bet money that he is the same guy next year? I fully expect him to either regress or have a major injury and look like a stupid contract again. Because Columbus. This is what happens.

Fabbro is the weirdest guy in hockey. Pair him with a top 5 defenseman in the league and he looks great. Pair him with other people and he is very subpar. I didn’t love his contract when it was signed.

My view, which is of course 100% correct, is that Fabbro is the same guy he always was but he didn’t get much time with Zach, so he seemed worse. Heck, the guy was waived last season. Severson is not the same guy he always was, and was much better, but I don’t trust that will continue.

My number 1 guy to trade is Severson because we might actually get a decent return. (But only now. His value will be a lot less next year.) And I expect the return will be better than his long term value to the club. Sell high. Voronkov and KJ both hurt themselves by their play, and the fact they both got benched probably further reduced their value. You have to hold on to them. Don’t sell low.

Lets just say, for example, that Nylander deal is on the table and we take it (as you're advocating for selling Severson).

What do you plan to do to address the right side of the Defense? In this hypothetical, you have one RHD on the roster signed for next year (Fabbro) and arguably zero top 4 RD on the roster.

You could obviously throw either Mateychuk or Provorov over there, but then you're now light on the left too.

 

[ljfranker]

Overview/Lineup:

• Marchment-Fantilli-Marchenko
• Johnson-Monohan-Garland
• Voronkov-Coyle-Olivier
• Sillinger-Jenner-_______
• Werenski-Fabbro
• Mateychuk-Provorov
• _________-Severson
• Greaves/_________

Observations:

• The top-9 looks extremely dangerous. Mush-Fantilli-Marchenko has been a force since coming together. Johnson-Monohan-Garland looks great. Voronkov-Coyle-Olivier has good metrics, but the size on that line is even more impressive. Sillinger and Jenner need a RW to play with them. That player will define the line's identity as more offensive or defensive. Werenski-Fabbro has hit a rough patch, but they still have relatively good metrics. Werenski-Severson can't continue. You shouldn't have two heavy on pucks, puck-moving, defenders on the same pairing. Someone has to be that more stay-at-home player. Giving Fabbro that role gives him a bit more freedom to play his game. If Werenski and him and reignite next season. It would be lit. Mateychuk-Provorov needs no introduction. They're just great together. Period. Severson, like I said, needs a more stay-at-home defensive partner. I don't see anyone in the system that is ready yet or fills the hole nicely. The goaltending is solid when it is. Greaves has taken a huge step and he'll undoubtedly get the reigns next season. Merzlikins needs to go at whatever the cost may be.

Options:

• I'm assuming we resign basically everyone. Marchment and Coyle are musts. Fantilli, Sillinger, and Greaves need extensions. I'd like to keep Jenner around. I think he's a good leader and good player for the team. Other than that, I think you move on from the remaining players. Gudbranson can probably go. Heinen and Smith can go.
• For the 4th line, Sillinger and Jenner make up a nice offensively capable line. It's not an identity line, but it'll get under your skin if you let it. That third forward for that line will define whether this line is more offensively-oriented or defensively-oriented. The prospect pool looks nice, but I don't see a crazy good fit for that line. Chinakhov or Brindley would've been nice, but that ship has sailed. Someone who stands out to me is Oliver Bjorkstrand. He fits that style of offensive play and has the ability to contribute at a high level. A return to Columbus could spark something, but it's a risk.
• For the 3rd pairing, I'd love to see someone like Mario Ferraro step in there. I think he'd be a really good fit. The problem is whether or not he hits free agency as well as what the price is for him via trade or signing.
• The goalie tandem, in my opinion, is not the biggest problem. I think Merzlikins needs to go, but I don't think it's much of a priority. In terms of replacements, I don't see anyone in the system who's ready yet. I could see a Bobrovsky reunion if he fits free agency, but they need a significant upgrade that's not a starter. Stolarz could be a fit for the backup role. He can start for stretches if needed, but he's a reliable 2nd option behind Greaves. There are several possibilities though.
• I would start remodeling your prospect system. Move on from the unnecessary prospects and build an AHL teams with Del Bel Belluz, Lindstrom, Smith, Griffin, etc.

Organization:

• The prospect pool is pretty solid. I like Marelli a lot. Lindstrom, Griffin, Del Bel Belluz, Williams, Pinelli, Malatesta, Dumais, Svozil, Ceulemans, and Elick, amongst others are some high end futures. I think we keep the guys we like and focus on their development. As a Blues fan, I love how we let our prospects simmer in the minors and polish off their skill before they make the jump. It makes a huge impact. Columbus can definitely use that strategy as well.

Outlook:

• I could see this team top of the East next season if they make the right moves.

 

[SC Cannon]

Overview/Lineup:

• Marchment-Fantilli-Marchenko
• Johnson-Monohan-Garland
• Voronkov-Coyle-Olivier
• Sillinger-Jenner-_______
• Werenski-Fabbro
• Mateychuk-Provorov
• _________-Severson
• Greaves/_________

Observations:

• The top-9 looks extremely dangerous. Mush-Fantilli-Marchenko has been a force since coming together. Johnson-Monohan-Garland looks great. Voronkov-Coyle-Olivier has good metrics, but the size on that line is even more impressive. Sillinger and Jenner need a RW to play with them. That player will define the line's identity as more offensive or defensive. Werenski-Fabbro has hit a rough patch, but they still have relatively good metrics. Werenski-Severson can't continue. You shouldn't have two heavy on pucks, puck-moving, defenders on the same pairing. Someone has to be that more stay-at-home player. Giving Fabbro that role gives him a bit more freedom to play his game. If Werenski and him and reignite next season. It would be lit. Mateychuk-Provorov needs no introduction. They're just great together. Period. Severson, like I said, needs a more stay-at-home defensive partner. I don't see anyone in the system that is ready yet or fills the hole nicely. The goaltending is solid when it is. Greaves has taken a huge step and he'll undoubtedly get the reigns next season. Merzlikins needs to go at whatever the cost may be.

Options:

• I'm assuming we resign basically everyone. Marchment and Coyle are musts. Fantilli, Sillinger, and Greaves need extensions. I'd like to keep Jenner around. I think he's a good leader and good player for the team. Other than that, I think you move on from the remaining players. Gudbranson can probably go. Heinen and Smith can go.
• For the 4th line, Sillinger and Jenner make up a nice offensively capable line. It's not an identity line, but it'll get under your skin if you let it. That third forward for that line will define whether this line is more offensively-oriented or defensively-oriented. The prospect pool looks nice, but I don't see a crazy good fit for that line. Chinakhov or Brindley would've been nice, but that ship has sailed. Someone who stands out to me is Oliver Bjorkstrand. He fits that style of offensive play and has the ability to contribute at a high level. A return to Columbus could spark something, but it's a risk.
• For the 3rd pairing, I'd love to see someone like Mario Ferraro step in there. I think he'd be a really good fit. The problem is whether or not he hits free agency as well as what the price is for him via trade or signing.
• The goalie tandem, in my opinion, is not the biggest problem. I think Merzlikins needs to go, but I don't think it's much of a priority. In terms of replacements, I don't see anyone in the system who's ready yet. I could see a Bobrovsky reunion if he fits free agency, but they need a significant upgrade that's not a starter. Stolarz could be a fit for the backup role. He can start for stretches if needed, but he's a reliable 2nd option behind Greaves. There are several possibilities though.
• I would start remodeling your prospect system. Move on from the unnecessary prospects and build an AHL teams with Del Bel Belluz, Lindstrom, Smith, Griffin, etc.

Organization:

• The prospect pool is pretty solid. I like Marelli a lot. Lindstrom, Griffin, Del Bel Belluz, Williams, Pinelli, Malatesta, Dumais, Svozil, Ceulemans, and Elick, amongst others are some high end futures. I think we keep the guys we like and focus on their development. As a Blues fan, I love how we let our prospects simmer in the minors and polish off their skill before they make the jump. It makes a huge impact. Columbus can definitely use that strategy as well.

Outlook:

• I could see this team top of the East next season if they make the right moves.

I disagree with almost everything here, but that's the beauty of talkin puck.

If we do miss the playoffs I'm completely fine keeping none of the free agents. I do not want to go into 2026-2027 with the same team that couldn't get it done.

It also feels like this is finally the off-season we do right by both sides and give Elvis a fresh start somewhere.

 

[ljfranker]

I disagree with almost everything here, but that's the beauty of talkin puck.

If we do miss the playoffs I'm completely fine keeping none of the free agents. I do not want to go into 2026-2027 with the same team that couldn't get it done.

It also feels like this is finally the off-season we do right by both sides and give Elvis a fresh start somewhere.

That makes sense, and it really is the beauty of talking puck. You guys are really close to the playoffs and this is not the team that couldn't get it done. It's the team that got hot and stayed hot. Adding to the defense, forward, depth, and netminding should put them very high next season.

 

[EspenK]

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy...

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Said it in the other threads but I think this team is poised to make a big time trade up front for a star forward. I think they need it too. Something to push Fantilli and Marchenko from good-great players (but inconsistent) to stars.

Guys/things on the trade block to include in said package: Voronkov, KJ, Jackson Smith, draft picks, Sillinger, LDBB, any other prospects, maybe Mateychuk for the right price? I would trade two of Voronkov/KJ/Sillinger to make a big time splash. The remaining one can stay.

Untouchables: Werenski, Fantilli, Marchenko

UFA's I would keep: Coyle and Marchment. Jenner if Coyle decides to walk. Coach seems to like Danton Heinen so he can stay I guess as the new ZAR/extra forward.

Targets for the offseason: Top line winger, 2nd/3rd pairing defenseman, depth forward(depending on the package to acquire said top forward)

FYI, this will become the offseason thread next week when the Rosters/Lineups thread closes up shop.

Star Trade-Fantilli-Marchenko
Marchment-Monahan-Garland
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-Coyle/Jenner-Olivier
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-LDBB-Lundestrom
Wood, Heinen

Z-Severson
Mateychuk-Provorov
UFA-Fabbro
Christiansen

Jet
Elvis

 

[KJ Dangler]

Lets just say, for example, that Nylander deal is on the table and we take it (as you're advocating for selling Severson).

What do you plan to do to address the right side of the Defense? In this hypothetical, you have one RHD on the roster signed for next year (Fabbro) and arguably zero top 4 RD on the roster.

You could obviously throw either Mateychuk or Provorov over there, but then you're now light on the left too.

As I said .. a no go .. Already have a shortage of quality defenseman , trading Severson or Mateychuk for a forward would be looney tunes

 

[tjcourt6]

Jet
Elvis

There is a high possibility that going into next season we could have either a

Jet x Fedotov or
Jet x Ivanov

net duo.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

There is a high possibility that going into next season we could have either a

Jet x Fedotov or
Jet x Ivanov

net duo.

Cleveland fans say Fedotov sucks and Ivanov will be fresh over here. I think he needs AHL time.

Unless they're eating significant salary to trade Elvis (possible, but extremely unlikely) I don't think they're moving off of his contract with one year to go. I certainly wouldn't at least. I think he's been good enough under Bowness to be able to return as Jet's backup.

 

[Banana duck]

There is a high possibility that going into next season we could have either a

Jet x Fedotov or
Jet x Ivanov

net duo.

Ivanov is going to Cleveland. He’s said in his interviews that is what the plan is.

There is absolutely no way Fedotov is going to take the place of Elvis.

 

[Ice9]

Toronto is in flux, go dangle something in front of them. Z can upsell us to Matthew’s
Don’t mind some shakeup. Wasn’t it a few games ago our forwards couldn’t get the puck off their sticks? They ain’t all that yet…

“Who Dares Wins”
Or, sucks even worse, one…

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

There is a high possibility that going into next season we could have either a

Jet x Fedotov or
Jet x Ivanov

net duo.

This would be a mistake but I don't see it happening.

 

[EDM]

Sorry, but if we complete the fold this year, I. have very little hope for next year absent a blockbuster trade. Nibbling at the margins is not going to do it.

 

[GoJackets1]

Said it in the other threads but I think this team is poised to make a big time trade up front for a star forward. I think they need it too. Something to push Fantilli and Marchenko from good-great players (but inconsistent) to stars.

Guys/things on the trade block to include in said package: Voronkov, KJ, Jackson Smith, draft picks, Sillinger, LDBB, any other prospects, maybe Mateychuk for the right price? I would trade two of Voronkov/KJ/Sillinger to make a big time splash. The remaining one can stay.

Untouchables: Werenski, Fantilli, Marchenko

UFA's I would keep: Coyle and Marchment. Jenner if Coyle decides to walk. Coach seems to like Danton Heinen so he can stay I guess as the new ZAR/extra forward.

Targets for the offseason: Top line winger, 2nd/3rd pairing defenseman, depth forward(depending on the package to acquire said top forward)

FYI, this will become the offseason thread next week when the Rosters/Lineups thread closes up shop.

Star Trade-Fantilli-Marchenko
Marchment-Monahan-Garland
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-Coyle/Jenner-Olivier
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-LDBB-Lundestrom
Wood, Heinen

Z-Severson
Mateychuk-Provorov
UFA-Fabbro
Christiansen

Jet
Elvis

This is pretty much what I expect to see happen as well. I’d add Mateychuk to the list of untouchables, I think he’s a guy we’re going to need to push the org forward. Could easily see a package involving KJ/Vronk/Jackson Smith plus picks moving to get this star forward you mention.

I throw whatever dollar number (and maybe the captaincy) at Coyle, resign Marchment, and let Boone/Gud go.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

did some armchair gm’ing last night and it’s gonna be hard to make substantial improvements to the roster while also retaining even 2/3 of the big UFAs.

they need two legit top six forwards and could use a bit of a reshape on the third pair (or an upgrade on the second pair)

cap is gonna get tight, especially with extensions the following summer for marchenko and mateychuk. gotta earmark cash for that now.

 

[EspenK]

Pedantic thought for the day:
What is the difference between resigning a guy and re-signing a guy?

 

[cbjthrowaway]

Pedantic thought for the day:
What is the difference between resigning a guy and re-signing a guy?

they should resign boone and re-sign marchment

 

[Monk]

they should resign boone and re-sign marchment

I'm resigned to the fact that this will likely happen

 

[SC Cannon]

I'm gonna get crucified but I'm not crazy about giving Coyle a bag.

Mid 30s, last big contract year, playing career hockey out of nowhere? Not fooling me. Plus he's disappeared lately when we needed him most.

Love the dude and I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like whoever signs him might regret it.

 

[Ice9]

Its certainly the age where the wall can come up on you REAL fast…

I’d just as soon gain some youth even IF there’s a fear of losing some of what he might bring.

 

[cbjthrowaway]

I'm gonna get crucified but I'm not crazy about giving Coyle a bag.

Mid 30s, last big contract year, playing career hockey out of nowhere? Not fooling me. Plus he's disappeared lately when we needed him most.

Love the dude and I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like whoever signs him might regret it.

the main problem is, if you don’t bring coyle back, what is the alternative?

monahan looks washed. jenner might be too and looks like an injury risk. no one knows what del bel is at the NHL level.

what’s the alternative to coyle? more-washed monahan + sillinger? elias pettersson? empty the cupboard for mctavish?

the most “realistic” one would probably be a kj-wright swap, but coyle is better than wright at present and those moves aren’t mutually exclusive.

 

[SC Cannon]

the main problem is, if you don’t bring coyle back, what is the alternative?

monahan looks washed. jenner might be too and looks like an injury risk. no one knows what del bel is at the NHL level.

what’s the alternative to coyle? more-washed monahan + sillinger? elias pettersson? empty the cupboard for mctavish?

the most “realistic” one would probably be a kj-wright swap, but coyle is better than wright at present and those moves aren’t mutually exclusive.

Voronkov - Sillinger - Olivier

Not saying it's better, but id be fine with it.

Again this is assuming Coyle demands a big payday. If we can get like 3 years 5 mil id hang onto him but I think he can do better.

 

[JacketFanInFL]

Said it in the other threads but I think this team is poised to make a big time trade up front for a star forward. I think they need it too. Something to push Fantilli and Marchenko from good-great players (but inconsistent) to stars.

Guys/things on the trade block to include in said package: Voronkov, KJ, Jackson Smith, draft picks, Sillinger, LDBB, any other prospects, maybe Mateychuk for the right price? I would trade two of Voronkov/KJ/Sillinger to make a big time splash. The remaining one can stay.

Untouchables: Werenski, Fantilli, Marchenko

UFA's I would keep: Coyle and Marchment. Jenner if Coyle decides to walk. Coach seems to like Danton Heinen so he can stay I guess as the new ZAR/extra forward.

Targets for the offseason: Top line winger, 2nd/3rd pairing defenseman, depth forward(depending on the package to acquire said top forward)

FYI, this will become the offseason thread next week when the Rosters/Lineups thread closes up shop.

Star Trade-Fantilli-Marchenko
Marchment-Monahan-Garland
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-Coyle/Jenner-Olivier
Sillinger/Voronkov/KJ-LDBB-Lundestrom
Wood, Heinen

Z-Severson
Mateychuk-Provorov
UFA-Fabbro
Christiansen

Jet
Elvis

I wonder if we can get a Viktor Arvidsson or Kane, Tarasenko, Giroux in Free agency. We need some veteran players with some skill.

Order of forward priority re-signs would be:
Marchment
<Decent gap>
Coyle

Let Boone go.

 

[Banana duck]

Voronkov - Sillinger - Olivier

Not saying it's better, but id be fine with it.

Again this is assuming Coyle demands a big payday. If we can get like 3 years 5 mil id hang onto him but I think he can do better.

The Monday mailbag today made a comment that there was a possibility some of the strength and conditioning in the offseason slipped through the cracks because they removed the previous coach and took months to find a new one. Even though they are limited on what they can do with players over the summer, there was no one to check in on players like Johnson that may have needed more guidance.

Voronkov might be part of that too.