Columbus Blue Jackets
Forwards $51 million, defense $19 million, goaltending $11 million
Of the eight teams remaining in the NHL playoffs, it’s not really an argument that the Columbus Blue Jackets feature the best remaining defensive pair in Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. The unique thing that’s weird about Columbus is that the team’s books aren’t great. In fact, the Blue Jackets have multiple contracts that are just flat out bad.
The trio of Cam Atkinson, Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno all have considerable term left on deals that are worth at least $5 million per season. Yet, the Blue Jackets are in solid shape in terms of both talent and finances. This is where the entry-level or below market value deals come into play and really reflect well on the organization.
When the Blue Jackets acquired Jones, the organization realized how crucial of a building block the former Nashville Predator was and locked him up long-term. At only 24-years-old, Jones is still getting better and at only $5.4 million per year, he’s an absolute steal.
Turning to the crease, Columbus pays its goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky a premium cap hit north of $7 million per year, one of the higher rates in the league.
When the Rangers were within a window of contention this decade with Henrik Lundqvist in net, this was the model the team sought to use.