With free agency on the horizon, the Columbus Blue Jackets are in a position to improve their roster after narrowly missing the playoffs. General Manager Don Waddell has already made some moves, but there are still opportunities to add valuable pieces without breaking the bank. Here are three under-the-radar free agency targets that could be a good fit for the Blue Jackets:
1. Jack Roslovic (Forward)
Jack Roslovic, who has played for several teams, is a solid middle-six forward. In the 2024-25 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, he scored 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 16 goals and 43 points per 82 games. While not very physical, Roslovic is a good skater who can create shots and chances from high-danger areas. His top skating speed ranked in the 79th percentile this season. Roslovic could add pace to the Blue Jackets' lineup and improve their middle-six forward group. Contract projections estimate he could sign for around $4.1 million per year for three years, which would be a reasonable deal for his production.
2. Pius Suter (Forward)
Pius Suter is an offensive-minded player who could bolster the Blue Jackets' middle-six. He could take on the second or third-line center role, potentially moving Charlie Coyle to the fourth line. Suter is a versatile player with two-way skills who can also contribute to the penalty kill. In the recent season with the Vancouver Canucks, Suter had a career-high 25 goals and 46 points. Suter has been something of a journeyman early in his career, but his offensive capabilities and defensive awareness make him a valuable target.
3. Victor Olofsson (Forward)
Victor Olofsson could be a valuable addition to the Blue Jackets' offense. He was an efficient five-on-five scorer for the Vegas Golden Knights, averaging 1.76 points per 60 minutes. Olofsson demonstrated a well-rounded, two-way game. He finished the season with a total goals above replacement (GAR) of 10.5, ranking sixth among Golden Knights skaters. Olofsson has the potential to score 20 goals and 40 points, and could be signed for around $3-4 million.
The Blue Jackets have already been active in the offseason, solidifying their bottom-six forward group with the additions of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. As free agency approaches, these under-the-radar targets could provide additional value and help the team take another step forward next season. With a significant amount of cap space, Columbus can afford to explore these options without compromising their future financial flexibility.