3 Columbus Blue Jackets Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

The Columbus Blue Jackets have fought hard this season and have unexpectedly been right in the playoff hunt all season. The team holds eighth place in the East right now and instead of moving any upcoming UFAs, added. There are a number of expiring contracts and the team has just too many contracts, so there are going to be changes this offseason.

James van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk has done as expected coming to the team late and filling a hole on the left side. He is a veteran on a relatively young team, but with the group getting healthier, it has pushed him down the lineup and almost right out of it. The 35-year-old is on an expiring contract, but does have 14 goals and 30 points in 57 games. This will get him another contract in the NHL if he wants, but the Blue Jackets have a lot of younger players fighting for spots that should be stepping in instead of him in Columbus.

Jordan Harris

Jordan Harris was brought in to help with the depth of the defense, but hasn't gotten in too many games. He's played just 29 of 64 games this season and has averaged slightly over 11 minutes per game. This is a sign that the Blue Jackets would rather play the other defensemen they have dressed and that he's just a placeholder. Five defensemen on the roster are signed through next season, three are UFAs, and Harris is s RFA. Like some of the young defensemen in the past that haven't proven themselves or been able to stay in the lineup, I don't see the Blue Jackets qualifying Harris as an RFA.

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson is far down the list of priorities for the Blue Jackets on defense. I believe that even Harris at this point would be brought back first. Johnson is 38 years old, has played 34 games this season, and logged 12:46 per game. The veteran is a UFA after the season and with the team looking to sign Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro for next season, that gives the team seven defensemen. There's no room or a need for Johnson after this season.