The Columbus Blue Jackets AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, has several free agents this summer. So, not only does Don Waddell have to build a championship roster for Columbus, but he also has to help build a roster in Cleveland that not only makes them competitive but also can feed the big club should the need arise.
Let’s take a look at the UFA’s and RFA’s that the Monsters need to address int he coming weeks.
Restricted Free Agents
- Mikael Pyyhtiä – F – 23 Years Old – 66 NHL Games – 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Hunter McKown – F – 22 Years Old – 22 NHL Games – 31 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Daemon Hunt – D – 23 Years Old – 13 NHL Games – 18 Points for Monsters/Iowa Wild in 24/25
- Samuel Kňažko – D – 22 Years Old – 2 NHL Games – 16 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm – D – 23 Years Old – 0 NHL Games – 7 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Cole Clayton – D – 25 Years Old – 0 NHL Games – 15 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Tim Berni – D – 25 Years Old – 59 NHL Games – Played in Switzerland last season
Unrestricted Free Agents
- Joe LaBate – F – 32 Years Old – 19 NHL Games – 21 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Dylan Gambrell – F – 28 Years Old – 233 NHL Games – 25 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Owen Sillinger – F – 27 Years Old – 1 NHL Game – 29 Points for Monsters in 24/25
- Zach Sawchenko – G – 27 Years old – 7 NHL Games – 10-11-7 Record for Monsters in 24/25
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents – To be Group 6 UFA eligible, a player must have played less than 80 career NHL games and be 25 or older when the contract ends.
- Trey Fix-Wolansky – F – 26 Years Old – 26 NHL Games – 60 Points for Monsters in 24/25
As you can see, the Monsters have a lot of work to do to fill out a roster for the 2025-26 season.
Will they bring any of these guys back, or let them walk and bring in a new crop? The loss of Trey Fix-Wolansky would be huge for the Monsters franchise. The Greatest player to ever wear the Cleveland uniform will most likely be signing elsewhere this summer. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to get his chance with Columbus. I have a strong suspicion we could see TFW playing overseas soon.
Let us know what you think below.
Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!
Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.
Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Radim Mrtka The 2025 NHL Draft is just 16 days away, and with the combine now in the rearview mirror, NHL teams are meeting with their scouting staffs to go over potential picks and finalize their draft boards.
Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Joshua RavensbergenThe 2025 NHL Draft is a little over two weeks away, and the CBJ are scheduled to have two picks. Will they make them, or will Don Waddell use them as ammo to make trades? That’s the million-dollar question.
Zach Werenski Finishes Second In Norris Voting, But He Should’ve WonCale Makar has won the Norris Trophy in a landslide. Yeah you read that correctly.
Read the full article here