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Blue Jackets Have Potential UFA Target In Kraken 6-Foot-7 Defender
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- Blue Jackets Have Potential UFA Target In Kraken 6-Foot-7 Defender
The Columbus Blue Jackets should be looking to add some new talent to their roster this summer. One way that the Blue Jackets could do this is through the free agent market.
The Blue Jackets should be on the hunt for more defensive depth this off-season. When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), one defenseman who could make sense for the Blue Jackets to target is Seattle Kraken blueliner Jamie Oleksiak.
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If the Blue Jackets signed Oleksiak, they would be bringing in a 6-foot-7 hard-nosed defenseman who can play both the left and right side. This kind of size and versatility would make him a solid pickup for a Blue Jackets club that would benefit by adding more depth to their defensive group.
When looking at a potential fit for Oleksiak on the Blue Jackets' roster, he could work well on their bottom pairing. Furthermore, because of his shutdown ability, he would give the Blue Jackets another solid defensive defenseman to work with on their penalty kill if signed.
Oleksiak appeared in 78 games this past season with the Kraken, where he recorded five goals, 10 assists, 15 points, 106 blocks, 112 hits, and a plus-9 rating. While he does not produce a lot of offense from the point, his blocking ability and grit would make him a decent pickup for a Blue Jackets club that could use some blueline help.
Oleksiak is currently 33 years old, so a short-term deal would make the most sense if the Blue Jackets were to sign him. While he is inching closer to his mid-30s, he is still a solid defenseman and could be a good addition to Columbus' roster as they look to have more success in 2025-26.
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It will be interesting to see if the Blue Jackets will make a push for Oleksiak if he hits the free agent market on July 1. The fit looks good on paper.
Next Up For Columbus: Free Agency starts on July 1st. Will the CBJ be players?
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