Get ready, Blue Jackets fans—free agency is just around the corner, and Columbus could be gearing up for a major blue line boost! One name that’s rapidly gaining traction as a top target for the CBJ is none other than Matt Grzelcyk, the veteran puck-moving defenseman coming off a strong stint with the Boston Bruins.
Why Grzelcyk? A Fit That Just Makes Sense
At 31 years old, Grzelcyk brings something the Blue Jackets desperately need: mobility, experience, and smart two-way play from the back end. With Adam Boqvist’s injury history and Zach Werenski needing a reliable partner, Grzelcyk fits the mold of the kind of top-four defender who can stabilize the blue line and help QB the power play in a pinch.
Last season, Grzelcyk posted 21 points in 67 games while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per night. His ability to exit the zone cleanly and push the pace is something Columbus sorely lacked during stretches of the 2024–25 campaign. Add in his postseason pedigree and reputation as a locker room leader, and you’re looking at a player who could make a day-one impact in central Ohio.
The Price Tag
Of course, it all comes down to the price—and Grzelcyk won’t come cheap. He’s expected to command a deal in the $3.5–$4 million AAV range, likely for 2–3 years. But with the Jackets holding a healthy chunk of cap space and needing veteran stability, this feels like a smart, targeted investment.
Hockey IQ, Not Just Stats
Don’t sleep on the intangibles. Grzelcyk isn’t the flashiest name out there, but he’s a coach’s dream—positionally sound, low-risk, and always thinking two plays ahead. If CBJ wants to mentor their young D corps while staying competitive in the tough Metro Division, this is exactly the kind of move GM Don Waddell should be making.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Start of Something Bigger?
Landing Grzelcyk could signal that the Jackets are ready to stop rebuilding and start climbing. He’s the type of signing that doesn’t just patch a hole—it sets a tone. With the 2025 NHL Draft looming and several young pieces ready to step up, don’t be surprised if Columbus makes a few more splashes this summer