Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 contract extensions that should happen in 2020
Even after re-signing both of their goaltenders to short-term deals, the Columbus Blue Jackets still have quite a few extensions left to hand out.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been quite busy recently, even during the NHL’s hiatus. They were going to enter this offseason with five major restricted free agents to worry about, including both of their goaltenders. Last week, they took care of both Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo.
However, their work is far from done. Though the offseason’s beginning date has yet to be set in stone, you can bet general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is going to try to get as much as he can. The Blue Jackets have three major extensions need to be given to each of them. Let’s take a look at those three players who should be getting them.
3. Oliver Bjorkstrand
Oliver Bjorkstrand isn’t a free agent yet. He still has one year left on his two-year, $2.5 million AAV contract he signed last offseason. However, Bjorkstrand will be eligible to sign an extension at the start of the league’s new year. In normal circumstances, that would be July 1. But who knows when the league’s new year will start in these crazy times.
Regardless, whenever the league new year starts, the Blue Jackets would be very wise to try to lock up Bjorkstrand long-term. He’s proven he’s a legitimate top-six forward in the NHL. Despite missing 21 games, he is fourth on the team in points with 36 points in 49 games. No Blue Jackets forward has more 5v5 points per hour this season than Bjorkstrand (2.25).
Last offseason, Bjorkstrand needed to prove he could stay consistently productive. Though injuries got in his way of a full season, he’s proven he can be a consistent producer in the NHL. The Blue Jackets are a team who struggle to score at times, so keeping Bjorkstrand around needs to be a top priority.
Of course, the Blue Jackets don’t have to get anything done with him this offseason since he is under contract for the 2020-21 season. However, they’d be mighty smart to sign him now rather than potentially let him raise his price tag with another impressive season.