As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up for free agency on July 1, general manager Don Waddell faces crucial decisions regarding nine unrestricted free agents. With over $42 million in cap space, Waddell aims to retain key players like defensemen Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro, and forwards Sean Kuraly and James van Riemsdyk. The rise in the NHL salary cap, expected to reach $95.5 million by 2025-26, further enhances the team's negotiation power.

Priority talks have been initiated for Provorov, Fabbro, and forward Dmitri Voronkov, who impressed this season. As the clock ticks down, the Jackets must assess the value of their current players against potential market options, balancing long-term contracts with immediate roster needs.