Front & Nationwide: A show about the Columbus Blue Jackets

Pierre LeBrun reacts to Johnny Gaudreau landing in Columbus

·28 min·2 clips

Bob McKenzie told us to keep an eye on Columbus for Johnny Gaudreau, a tip that stunned the insiders.

Aaron Portzline welcomes Pierre LeBrun to discuss Johnny Gaudreau's unexpected signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year, $68.25 million deal. LeBrun shares that Bob McKenzie tipped them off early in the day to watch Columbus, a notion that seemed out of place given the focus on teams like the Devils, Islanders, and Flyers. He explains that Gaudreau's market was surprisingly small because he told Calgary he didn't want to play in the West, cutting off half the league, and many Eastern teams were capped out. Only the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets made legitimate seven-year offers, with Philadelphia unable to move money to create space. LeBrun notes that Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was likely surprised during the day, as he held a press conference for Erik Gudbranson earlier without knowing Gaudreau was seriously considering them. The discussion turns to the cap implications for Columbus, which now needs to clear about $6 million, potentially by trading players like Gus Nyquist or Oliver Bjorkstrand, with Calgary mentioned as a possible trade partner. LeBrun argues that Gaudreau's decision will monumentally change the perception of Columbus as a destination, countering past exits of players like Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. On-ice, the Blue Jackets are seen as fast and skilled but with defensive questions and goaltending consistency needed from Elvis Merzlikins. The conversation broadens to other NHL stories, including the Carolina Hurricanes' trades for Brent Burns and Max Pacioretty, the Ottawa Senators signing Claude Giroux, and the Detroit Red Wings' under-the-radar moves. LeBrun highlights the goalie carousel as puzzling, with teams like the Colorado Avalanche moving on from Darcy Kuemper. He also analyzes the Pittsburgh Penguins' re-signing of Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, noting the impossible position of balancing legacy with long-term regret, and draws parallels to the Washington Capitals with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. The episode concludes with LeBrun expressing happiness for Blue Jackets fans and anticipation for future shows.

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