COLUMBUS, Ohio – There is a possibility that the Columbus Blue Jackets might add a veteran defenseman via free agency by the start of the 2015-2016 season. Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports
“Sources have told The Dispatch that the Blue Jackets and free agent defenseman Christian Ehrhoff have had discussions, and that a deal could come together if Ehrhoff sits on the market long enough for his price to come down.” 
Currently, Ehrhoff is coming off a $4 million one year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Jackets have $3.6 million cap space for the upcoming season.
The question remains whether Ehrhoff is willing to take a $400,000 salary cut to move a three-hour drive west.
During his time with the Penguins, Ehrhoff scored three goals, 11 assists, with 14 points.
The puck moving defenseman can fill the offensive needs left by James Wisniewsky. The 33-year old Ehrhoff has great hockey sense, great skating ability, and can give leadership on the power play. Although these are qualities that have the Jacket’s attention, he struggles against bigger, stronger forwards, and can cave under pressure in dire situations when the game is on the line.
This has led to him getting some bad penalties from time to time. The fact that he had a head injury that made him miss 33 games last season should be a question mark for the Jackets’ brass.
Ehrhoff is not the only defenseman in need of a possible job.
Nashville blueliner Cody Franson is also a good fit for the Jackets if conversations with the Boston Bruins go south. Last season, Franson netted seven goals, 29 assists and 36 points in 78 games. The 28-year old Franson is younger and healthier than Ehrhoff, and has a similar style of play. Franson moves the puck well on the break out, has fabulous offensive instincts and has a laser type accuracy of a shot. The fact that he is 6’5, 215 pounds doesn’t hurt either.
The problem with Franson is that he is seeking a more lucrative deal, hence the conversations with the Bruins. On the ice, Franson is slow and doesn’t use his size to his advantage. He also has problems with his defensive game. Overall, he is an inconsistent player with good offensive instincts and size.
If free agency does not pan out for the Blue Jackets, there is the option of trading with the Detroit Red Wings who have an abundance of defensemen. Players such as Alexey Marchenko, Ryan Sproul, Nick Jensen, and Xavier Ouellet can be made available to the Jackets.Still, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press the Red Wings are in no hurry to do this because these players can be sent to the Grand Rapids Griffons without waivers. However this is still a great option for the Jackets.
Whether by free agency or by a trade deal, Columbus is in need of an offensive minded defenseman immediately. GM Jarmo Kekalainnen needs to move on this to make the roster even more solid than what it is. They have a great lineup so far that should send them into the playoffs. Guys like Ehrhoff or Franson would be an outstanding addition.
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