Columbus Blue Jackets' New Year’s Resolution

With 2024 wrapping up in less than 24 hours, the Columbus Blue Jackets have some pretty clear goals to keep their rebuild moving forward.

Here are three key resolutions they need to tackle.

1. Add a Scoring Winger

The Blue Jackets need more firepower up front. While their young core has shown promise, they are still missing that consistent offensive punch to compete with the league's best. Adding a proven winger who can contribute right away should be a top priority.

Related: Friedman Reveals Massive Draft Day Deal That Fell Through Between Blackhawks & Blue Jackets

2. Re-Sign Ivan Provorov

Provorov's been a bright spot on the blue line, proving his value to this team. With his contract up at the end of the season, it becomes very important to lock him in before the March 7 trade deadline. Allowing him to walk would be a step backward, considering how much he has brought into the defense this year.

Related: NHL Insider Provides Interesting Update On Blue Jackets' Provorov

3. Figure Out Severson and Tarasov

The Columbus Blue Jackets need to make tough decisions on the likes of Damon Severson and Daniil Tarasov.

Severson never really panned out how they'd hoped, and moving him could clear up very valuable cap space. It's a tough deal to make at $6.25 million per year, but if they were to find a suitor for him, that's money they can spend elsewhere on the open market to shore up other defense spots.

Related: Report: Daniil Tarasov Refused A Conditioning Assignment To The AHL

Given Tarasov's situation, with Elvis Merzlikins entrenched as the starter and Jet Greaves becoming an everyday backup. It seems like the best option for the team is to trade Tarasov. A return with some potential can help bring in other areas of roster needs.

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