|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>With Adam Fantilli locked in, the Columbus Blue Jackets now had to turn their attention to Monday’s roster deadline. With a couple of potential spots still up for grabs and the salary cap a factor, the team elected to waive one of their veteran forwards.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>The Blue Jackets placed Miles Wood on waivers. If he clears, he can be assigned to the Cleveland Monsters. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report Wood’s name on the waiver wire.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Putting Wood on waivers signifies a couple of important things. We are starting to get a glimpse of what the Blue Jackets’ opening night lineup could look like.
Roster Bubble
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>It was significant that Wood played two of the first three preseason games. Coach Rick Bowness indicated earlier in training camp that Saturday night’s game in Detroit would feature as close to their NHL roster as possible.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Since Wood played the veteran maximum of two preseason games, that left him out of Saturday’s preseason finale. That left Luca Del Bel Belluz, Jack Williams and Danton Heinen as the candidates to fill the last roster spots up front. All three are in Saturday night’s lineup.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>It’s important to note that Williams does not need waivers for the AHL. However, both Heinen and Del Bel Belluz do need waivers. Unless the waivers-exempt player plays significantly better than his counterparts, the usual and easiest outcome is to send Williams down. We’ll see how that transpires.
Why Wood Was Waived
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Wood’s contract and salary is what sticks out. He has this season plus two more seasons with a $2.5 million cap hit. Of the players on the bubble, he’s their most expensive option.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Assuming Wood clears waivers, the Blue Jackets would be able to bury a portion of salary. For this season, that amount is $1.225 million.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Wood’s production dipped last season after returning from a lower-body injury. His best trait, his speed, was affected.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>GM Don Waddell said on Thursday that his hope was to not have to use LTIR at the start of the season but maybe a little bit into it. Waiving Wood helped the Blue Jackets take a step in that direction although more could be coming.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>The Blue Jackets will decide if they’ll offer defenseman Carson Soucy a contract. With Dante Fabbro injured and Damon Severson working his way back from shoulder surgery, defensive depth is something the team needs. They now have a little extra room to fit this contract in should they decide that’s the direction.
|p class=”wp-block-paragraph”>Fantilli’s contract put the team right against the cap. If you add in early injuries and the roster bubble, you see why the team had to put Wood on waivers. It was a pure business need.
