3 Blue Jackets Players Who Won’t Be Back Next Season

The Columbus Blue Jackets arguably didn't do enough at the trade deadline in the midst of another bad season, so the expectation is the job will be finished in the offseason to alter their roster enough to be more competitive. Here's a look at three players who likely won't be back with the team next season.

Ivan Provorov

The Blue Jackets finally traded a defenseman at the deadline, and it was Andrew Peeke. While that was long overdue to create another open roster spot, Ivan Provorov was also rumored to be getting traded. Obviously that didn't end up happening, but with one more year left on his contract, an offseason move is likely. There is still not enough room to have David Jiricek play a full-time role in the NHL, and that should be the top priority heading into next season.

Elvis Merzlikins

Elvis Merzlikins wants out of Columbus, That much is clear. He wasn't getting the starts that a starter should get, despite a better season by him in a number of years. On a bad team like the Blue Jackets, he has a .904 SV%. The tough part is he's signed through 2027, so any team taking him on has to deal with a bit of term. He is a good goalie and is worth the risk. So with how the two sides feel about the situation, I believe something will get done in the offseason. It is hard to trade a contract like that mid-season.

Alexandre Texier

The Blue Jackets have a lot of young talent up front, and even though Alexandre Texier is a good player, he doesn't really fit in the top-nine moving forward for this team. Since he is a RFA, he will have some value in the offseason if the team tries to trade him. Texier should come cheap and he is skilled. There will definitely be takers if the Blue Jackets make him available.