rumor/report: Blue Jackets Considering Buyout of Alexander Wennberg

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Alexander Wennberg doesn?t fit the mold of the typical NHL buyout candidate. He?s 26 years old and in the prime of his career, not a grizzled veteran with achy knees and hips trying to fight off the ravages of time.

 

But the Blue Jackets, according to league sources, appear to be considering a contract buyout of their former first-round draft pick, a player who appeared to be on the cusp of becoming a No. 1 center just three seasons ago.

 

It?s a decision that could save the Blue Jackets $10.7 million over the next three seasons ? but only if they act now.

 

Because Wennberg was 25 years old as of this June ? he turned 26 on Tuesday ? the buyout, per the NHL?s collective bargaining agreement, would require Columbus to pay only one-third of the money owed him over the remaining three years of his contract.

 

After this summer, a buyout of Wennberg?s contract would cost the team two-thirds of his remaining deal.

 

Both Wennberg and his agent, Pat Brisson, said they have not had any indication from the Blue Jackets that a buyout is being considered. Columbus general manager Jarmo Kek?l?inen declined to comment.

 

https://theathletic.com/2092472/2020/09/25/blue-jackets-considering-contract-buyout-of-struggling-center-alexander-wennberg/?source=emp_shared_article

Yes please

Yeah, he'd top the charts as a reclamation project/buy-low option.

Would do.

 

3C this year, show us what you've got in preparation to replace Strome next year.

Would have to be a good candidate for 3C, considering his Tortorella bona fides.

 

As Pete said, it would really give you some space to breath this year.

DeAngelo, Chytil, Car 1st for Wennberg and Werenski

Why would you trade for him at all if they intend to buy him out? Sign him to a cheap, supplemental deal.

Why would you trade for him at all if they intend to buy him out? Sign him to a cheap, supplemental deal.

 

Saving the CBJ the penalty from buying him out is a perk to get them to deal us Werenski, who I know they won't trade. I'm dreaming.

Saving the CBJ the penalty from buying him out is a perk to get them to deal us Werenski, who I know they won't trade. I'm dreaming.

 

Fair enough.

Link:

Snatch him.

Would be a great 3C this year, if successful, Strome replacement.

He is going to get snatched up. Hope its the Rangers. Really really hope. What happens if multiple teams try to.claim a player?

He is going to get snatched up. Hope its the Rangers. Really really hope. What happens if multiple teams try to.claim a player?

I mean if you mean claimed on waivers then it won’t be the rangers anyway. If he clears, then he’s a free agent and can negotiate with whoever he wants.

Did he ever center Panarin there? Who was he playing with his big 2016-17 season?

Did he ever center Panarin there? Who was he playing with his big 2016-17 season?

 

No not really.

 

He got PP time that 1 season. Since, he's been replaced by PLD.

Issues with Wennberg:

- inconsistent

- not great defensively (bigger issue when your 2C and 4C and not great defensively, either)

- not physical

- Not in top 4 PKers in Columbus, and only received 5th most avg PK minutes due to injuries.

Issues with Wennberg:

- inconsistent

- not great defensively (bigger issue when your 2C and 4C and not great defensively, either)

- not physical

- Not in top 4 PKers in Columbus, and only received 5th most avg PK minutes due to injuries.

 

That's my issue, as well. The guy has no identity.

Hank. Could me to him as a fellow Swede....oh wait

Is he bad defensively and not a Pk'er? Not according to the Jackets beat writer.

 

https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/1314229176531066883?s=20

 

Aaron Portzline

@Aportzline

There will be no shortage of suitors for Alexander Wennberg when he hits free agency on Friday.

 

He’s an exceptional defensive player, positionally sound and really smart/strong on the penalty kill.

 

But his offensive impact has withered since a 2016-17 (13-46-59).

He's been a 50 point player once in his a career, so he looks like more of a #3 at best.. If Strome stays he's the #2, I don't see any upgrade over Chytil, its not like the guy is a face off wiz or anything.

He's actually a very good defensive player. It's his offense that dried up. That's why they cut ties. It was about the money.

He's been a 50 point player once in his a career, so he looks like more of a #3 at best.. If Strome stays he's the #2, I don't see any upgrade over Chytil, its not like the guy is a face off wiz or anything.

 

That's if you view Chytil as a Center. I think he's already shown that he belongs on the wing.

Well I want him. They're talking about him signing for less than $2 mil per and we really need a good defensive center. If the offense comes back then awesome we have a really good complete center and can move on from Strome with no regrets. If the offense doesn't come back then we still have a good bottom 6 center at a good price. I would bet on his offense returning if he played with Panarin though since that's what so many credit Strome's resurgence with.

Is he bad defensively and not a Pk'er? Not according to the Jackets beat writer.

 

https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/1314229176531066883?s=20

 

he's not a spectacular shut down guy you'd ideally want at your 3C if Chytil or Strome is your 2C.

 

I seem him Namestnikoving in NY. But whatever, 2x2, sure. Go for it. But then you need to upgrade 2C.