Fred Brathwaite, G (FA-StL); Mark Hartigan, C (FA-Atl); Trevor Letowski, RW (FA-Van); Todd Marchant, C (FA-Edm); Joe Motzko, RW (FA); Todd Rohloff, D (FA-Wsh); Darryl Sydor, D (T-Dal)
Jamie Allison, D (FA-Nas); Mathieu Darche, LW (FA-Nas); Matt Davidson, RW (FA-Cgy); J.F. Labbe, G (FA-Europe); Paul Manning, D (FA-Europe); Kiel Mcleod, C (FA-Phx); Mike Sillinger, C (T-Phx); Darren Van Impe, D (FA-Europe); Ray Whitney, LW (FA-Det)
Goaltender Marc Denis was one of the few bright spots on the Blue Jackets last season. The 26-year-old with a lightning-quick glove hand takes more abuse than any goaltender in the league, facing an average of 31 shots per game. Denis played a whopping 77 games last season, setting an NHL record for minutes played.
But despite Denis' efforts in the crease, Columbus still finished worst in the West with 263 goals against.
Denis won't have to shoulder the entire load this season now that backup Fred Brathwaite is on board. The 31-year-old journeyman is a streaky goaltender, capable of stealing a game when the challenge is there. He should see between 20-25 games in relief this season. Should anything happen to Denis, Brathwaite has experience as a No. 1.
Lucky for the Blue Jackets, they have a capable netminder behind them or things could be much worse.
Coach and general manager Doug MacLean has been less than impressed with the team's commitment to defence over the past two seasons and he's made several changes to try and improve the situation. The Jackets tried to beef up defensively last season by picking up free agent blueliners Luke Richardson and Scott Lachance, but the team still gave up more goals per game (3.16) than any Western Conference team.
That core will improve with the addition of Dallas Stars standout Darryl Sydor over the summer. Sydor, a Stanley Cup winner who consistently scores 40 points a season, will likely pair with Jaroslav Spacek, while Richardson and Lachance will continue to mentor young Czech defenceman Rostislav Klesla.
The Blue Jackets blueline shouldn't carry all of the blame for the team's defensive problems. Columbus' forwards are equally at fault.
MacLean's biggest offseason move came when he allowed leading scorer Ray Whitney to leave via free agency. He did pick up free agent forwards Todd Marchant and Trevor Letowski, both who are known for their two-way play.
Geoff Sanderson, Andrew Cassels and the team's only "plus" player, David Vyborny, will likely form the team's No. 1 line.
Rick Nash, a finalist for last year's Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie, came along nicely. The 19-year-old scored in his NHL debut and went on to score 16 more goals to go along with 22 assists in his debut season. Nash, at six-foot-four and 206 pounds, gives the Blue Jackets a much-needed physical presence, although the diminutive squad could use a few more players with size.
The former Edmonton Oilers assistant captain does two important things for the Blue Jackets. With Whitney's departure, he gives Columbus a proven leader on the ice and in the dressing room. He's also dedicated to playing team defence, something that MacLean and his club desperately need. Marchant is coming off a career season with the Oilers, having scored 20 goals and 40 assists in 77 games.
