Blue Jackets’ Arbitration Filings and Key Signings Highlight Busy Sunday

In a significant move for the Columbus Blue Jackets, two players have officially filed for arbitration, joining a list of 15 NHL players taking this route on Sunday. Jet Greaves and Cole Sillinger are the two Blue Jackets seeking arbitration, a step that could impact their futures with the team.

Greaves, an undrafted goaltender from North Pole, Alaska, made his NHL debut on February 17, 2016, against the St. Louis Blues. Over his career, he has compiled a record of 44 wins, 17 losses, and 8 overtime losses, with a save percentage of .898 and a goals-against average of 2.85 across 70 NHL starts. His playoff experience includes a single relief appearance. In the AHL, Greaves has fared well with a career record of 169 wins, 104 losses, and 30 overtime losses, boasting a .909 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have strengthened their roster by signing defenseman Colton White to a two-year, two-way contract. White, who has played 107 NHL games and recorded 14 points, also has a solid AHL background with 345 games and 98 points to his name. This signing adds depth to the Blue Jackets’ blue line as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As contract negotiations loom, the future of center Adam Fantilli remains uncertain. The offer sheet given to Fantilli is expected to be comparable to what he would receive from other teams. However, general manager Don Waddell’s commitment to keeping Fantilli in Columbus is clear, despite the looming threat of rival offers. The Blue Jackets must act swiftly to secure Fantilli’s services, as any external offer could complicate matters.

Fantilli, undrafted and hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, plays with notable physicality and grit, often leading his team in hits and fighting majors. He made his NHL debut on January 25, 2018, and has since played 394 games, scoring 35 goals and providing 37 assists for a total of 72 points. His playoff experience includes 32 games and a Stanley Cup championship, adding to his impressive resume.

In another exciting development, the Blue Jackets have signed goalie prospect Sergei Ivanov to a two-year entry-level contract (ELC). Ivanov is expected to spend the 2026-27 season in the Kontinental Hockey League before transitioning to North America, with his ELC running through the 2028 season. This signing is a crucial step in bolstering the Blue Jackets’ goaltending prospects.

Defenseman Zach Werenski continues to chase franchise records, currently sitting at 465 career points, just 82 shy of Rick Nash’s record of 547. With recent seasons yielding 82 and 81 points, Werenski is poised to challenge this mark. Additionally, he is on the verge of breaking Seth Jones’s record for overtime goals, needing just one more to tie at 8, while already holding the record for most overtime assists.

As the arbitration hearings approach, with Greaves scheduled for July 23 and Sillinger for July 27, the Blue Jackets are navigating a pivotal offseason. Fans are eager to see how these negotiations unfold and what it means for the team’s future. Stay tuned for more updates on the Blue Jackets as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.