Upcoming Challenges for the Cleveland Monsters
As the summer season approaches, the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, face a crucial period in terms of roster management. Don Waddell, the Blue Jackets’ general manager, has a dual challenge this offseason: he must construct a competitive roster for Columbus while simultaneously crafting a capable team in Cleveland that can serve as a pipeline for talent. To achieve success, he will need to address both unrestricted and restricted free agents on the Monsters’ roster as they gear up for the 2025-26 season.
Restricted Free Agents (RFAs)
Restricted Free Agents include several young talents:
- Mikael Pyyhtiä, a forward aged 23, who played 66 NHL games and scored 16 points for the Monsters in the 2024-2025 season.
- Hunter McKown, also a forward at 22, contributed 31 points in 22 NHL games last season.
- Daemon Hunt, 23, a defenseman with 18 points from 13 games split between the Monsters and the Iowa Wild.
- Samuel Kňažko, a 22-year-old defenseman with 2 NHL appearances and 16 points for the Monsters.
- Ole Julian Bjørgvik-Holm, 23, yet to make his NHL debut but scored 7 points for the Monsters.
- Cole Clayton, 25, who has 0 NHL games but amassed 15 points for Cleveland.
- Tim Berni, also 25, with 59 NHL games played and a stint in Switzerland before this season.
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFAs)
On the Unrestricted Free Agents front, some notable names include:
- Joe LaBate, a 32-year-old forward who scored 21 points in 19 NHL games.
- Dylan Gambrell, a 28-year-old forward with 233 NHL appearances, adding 25 points to the Monsters.
- Owen Sillinger, 27, with only one NHL game but managed to earn 29 points for the Monsters.
- Zach Sawchenko, a 27-year-old goalie, owns a record of 10-11-7 across 7 NHL games.
Group 6 UFA: Key Player to Watch
Interestingly, Trey Fix-Wolansky, a 26-year-old forward who has played 26 NHL games, falls into the Group 6 UFA category due to his limited NHL experience but impressive output, scoring 60 points for the Monsters. His potential departure could significantly impact the franchise, as he is considered their top player and may seek opportunities abroad rather than with Columbus, which has historically not favored his advancement.
Looking Ahead
As the Monsters prepare, they will need to assess whether to retain these players, letting some depart while seeking fresh talent to fill their ranks. Further complicating this strategic planning is the rapid approach of the 2025 NHL Draft, just weeks away. The Blue Jackets, who hold two draft picks and are weighing possible trades, will undoubtedly keep an eye on the Monsters’ roster dynamics as they shape their own future.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights about the Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters as the offseason unravels!
