It’s been an arduous offseason for the Blue Jackets.
Long summers without a playoff appearance are always a challenge, but the Jackets' past five months were filled with almost non-stop challenges for an executive staff led by Don Waddell, the Jackets’ president/general manager.
There were changes to Rick Bowness’ coaching staff, rumblings that stars Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko were restless, and that was before restricted free agents Jet Greaves and Cole Sillinger nearly needed arbitration hearings to get new contracts.
A third RFA, top center Adam Fantilli, remains unsigned with player medicals scheduled for Sept. 16 to open training camp, and Marchenko’s
desire to play in Columbus remains a question mark. That’s all without mentioning that goalie Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery Aug. 17, and that will sideline him long-term.
Boone Jenner, the Jackets’ beloved former captain, signed with the Washington Capitals. Mason Marchment, a power forward acquired in a mid-season trade, signed with the San Jose Sharks, and most of Waddell’s summer additions were depth moves outside of an interesting trade for power forward Valeri Nichushkin.
Challenges arose on the business side, too. Decisions to part ways with longtime radio play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott and a team reporter were met with online backlash.
The Blue Jackets announced the NHL will now produce local television broadcasts after losing their regional sports network revenue, so fans will stream games on Amazon for a subscription fee. Cable and satellite providers will also carry games, along with a handful of free simulcasts on over-the-air networks, but those details are still being finalized just two weeks before the season starts Oct. 1 at Nationwide Arena.
That’s a lot to digest from the past five months, and Fantilli still needs a contract.
Added up, and this season could be the most important in the franchise’s 26-year history. Missing the playoffs for a seventh straight season, simply cannot happen if the Blue Jackets hope to boost their slipping relevance both locally and nationally.
That may sound like an overstatement, but Waddell agrees.
“I don’t think it’s overstating it, because if you look at what we did the last two years, we’re knocking on the door [of the playoffs] both years,” he said. “Two years ago, it was a slump in March [that kept us out] and last year we didn’t finish very well in April. So, we know we’re right there. We’ve just got to take that next step.”
And they can't afford to stumble out of the gate.
“I can’t emphasize enough that points in October and November mean as much as they do in March and April,” Waddell said. “It’s been a crazy summer, but I think we’re in a good spot and I think we’ll get everything else accomplished that we need to get accomplished before we start and be ready to roll.”
Getting Fantilli signed is now alone atop his list of priorities, andit's already been a two-month grind. After that, the focus will shift to Bowness and his retooled coaching staff. They'll be tasked with getting the Blue Jackets ready for an 84-game grind.
“This year, camp’s different,” Waddell said. “It’s shorter. There's only four exhibition games, and veterans can only play in two games. So, there’s a lot of planning going into that right now, which games we want to play those guys."
As for his own plans, a summer that barely let Waddell breathe is almost over.
“I’m waiting for my summer to start, but that’s not going to happen,” he said. “So, we might as well get on the ice and start playing."
Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets open camp for pivotal year after 'crazy' summer
