Roster currently has 10 available NHL forwards starting training camp after Gaudreau's death, trades plus a Justin Danforth wrist injury.

In a brief chat with reporters before the Blue Jackets played Boston on the second day of the NHL Prospects Challenge, Waddell said he’s circled back into the free-agent pool in the search for players who can fill immediate roster needs. He’s not talking about PTOs, but actual contracts.

With 1,011 career games under his belt, the Blue Jackets will be van Riemsdyk’s fourth team in the NHL. He started his career as a second overall pick of the Philadelphia Flyers

It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the start of training camp in just a few days. However, general managers have been active most of the summer.

The Blue Jackets’ forward group has been thinned out in recent weeks. The team moved Patrik Laine to Montreal while Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed late last month. Meanwhile, GM Don Waddell told reporters Saturday including Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch that forward Justin Danforth won’t be available for the start of training camp due to a hand/wrist injury.