Columbus Blue Jackets manage contract talks and trade rumors

The Columbus Blue Jackets are managing several roster and contract complexities ahead of the new NHL season. General Manager Don Waddell confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with Adam Fantilli, who has missed training camp while seeking a long-term deal. Reports suggest a gap between the player's expectations—potentially around the $15 million AAV mark—and the team's cap constraints.

Simultaneously, the team's trade market is active. Forward Kirill Marchenko is a subject of significant interest, though his potential trade is complicated by his contract demands and the team's need to manage cap space for Fantilli. Reports indicate Marchenko may seek a contract in the range of $12 million annually. Other players, including Dmitri Voronkov, have also been mentioned in trade discussions.

On the injury front, defenseman Dante Fabbro exited a preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings with an upper-body injury, potentially impacting the team's defensive depth heading into the regular season.