Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has firmly stated that the team will not pursue buyouts for players Elvis Merzlikins and Damon Severson this offseason. Instead of opting for buyouts that would stretch their contracts over extended periods, Waddell aims to provide both players another chance to succeed in the upcoming season, as the team transitions toward improvement.

Waddell emphasized keeping both players, despite Merzlikins' mixed performance and Severson's challenges last season. The cost of potential buyouts would burden the salary cap in the long term, making it a less viable option. With a clear focus on rebuilding, the Blue Jackets plan on leveraging their $42 million salary cap space for more strategic investments rather than jumping into complex buyout scenarios.