The Columbus Blue Jackets have four main UFAs to decide on
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: The Columbus Blue Jackets have numerous decisions to make on their pending free agents, but they have four main UFAs to decide on.
Charlie Coyle – Center – The 34-year-old Coyle had a career with 20 goals and 38 assists in 82 games, and carried a $5.25 million cap hit. He’ll be looking for a shot at the Stanley Cup, and it makes sense to test free agency. The Blue Jackets will try to extend him.
Mason Marchment – LW/RW – The 30-year-old put up 19 goals and 26 assists in 69 games between the Kraken and Blue Jackets, 15 and 17 in 39 games with the Blue Jackets. He had a $4.5 million cap hit. It could be Marchment’s last chance at a big contract.
Boone Jenner – C/W – The 32-year-old put up 13 goals and 25 assists in 67 games, and carried a $3.75 million cap hit. If Coyle leaves, there would be more desire to bring him back. Would be plenty of interest if he went to July 1st.
2026 NHL Offseason UFA Rumors & Trade Speculation
Erik Gudbranson – RHD – The 34-year-old only played in 37 games this past season, and carried a $4 million cap hit. Coach Rick Bowness likes having physical defensemen. Injury history would keep the term and money down.
The Los Angeles Kings need to find more scoring, as they seem to be at a crossroads
Eric Stephens of The Athletic: It appears that Quinton Byfield will be the Los Angeles Kings No. 1 center next year, so he’ll need to improve on his 20-25 goal and 50-55 point range. The 23-year-old Byfield’s long-term extension kicks in next year.
The Kings are thin down the middle with Anze Kopitar retiring. They could look to re-sign Scott Laughton. Alex Laferriere and Trevor Moore are useful complementary wingers. Andrei Kuzmenko showed some skill before tearing his meniscus in February.
The 23-year-old Brandt Clarke has upside, but 36-year-old Drew Doughty is trending downward at $11 million and only 23 points.
They don’t have a prospect ready to step in next year and make an impact. Liam Greentree might have been that option, but he was traded to the Rangers in the Artemi Panarin deal.
NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Senators, and the Sharks
The Kings could take a look this offseason at the availability and price Robert Thomas (Blues), Elias Pettersson (Canucks) or Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs). The bold route for the Kings would be to start over and embrace a rebuild. It doesn’t seem like there is an appetite for a rebuild.
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