For John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen and the rest of the Jackets’ hockey operations team, the lost season is in the rear-view mirror and work is underway to prepare for next season. The top priority this offseason is clear: overhaul the defense.
The team has six defensemen currently under contract for next year, but changes are needed. Fedor Tyutin and Jack Johnson have three years each remaining on their deals, and are the two primary veterans on the blueline. Ryan Murray has one more year left on his rookie deal, and will be looking to avoid the injury bug as he plays for his second contract.