Blue Jackets Waive Miles Wood as Roster Deadline Looms

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed veteran forward Miles Wood on waivers with their roster deadline approaching. If he is not claimed, he will be assigned to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.

This move offers a clearer picture of the Blue Jackets’ potential opening night lineup. Wood had participated in two of the team’s initial three preseason games, a number coach Rick Bowness indicated would be a key factor for players vying for NHL spots.

Wood’s absence from Saturday’s preseason finale leaves Luca Del Bel Belluz, Jack Williams, and Danton Heinen competing for the remaining forward positions. All three are in the lineup for the final preseason game.

While Jack Williams is not subject to waivers for AHL assignment, both Heinen and Del Bel Belluz require them. Typically, a player like Williams, who doesn’t need waivers, would be the simpler option to send down if he doesn't outperform his waiver-requiring counterparts.

Reasoning Behind Wood's Waiver Placement

Wood's contract is a significant factor. He carries a $2.5 million cap hit for the current season and two more years. Among players on the roster bubble, his contract is the most expensive.

Should Wood clear waivers, the Blue Jackets can assign a portion of his salary ($1.225 million for this season) to the AHL. His production last season saw a decline following a lower-body injury, which appeared to impact his signature speed.

General Manager Don Waddell had expressed a preference to avoid using Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) at the start of the season. Waiving Wood moves the team closer to that goal, though further adjustments may be necessary.

The team is also considering offering defenseman Carson Soucy a contract. With Dante Fabbro injured and Damon Severson recovering from shoulder surgery, defensive depth is a priority. The roster flexibility gained from waiving Wood could accommodate Soucy's contract if the team pursues it.

Adam Fantilli's contract had already placed the Blue Jackets close to the salary cap limit. Combined with potential early-season injuries and the competition for roster spots, waiving Wood became a practical business decision for the team.

Blue Jackets Waive Miles Wood Ahead of Roster Deadline

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Miles Wood has been placed on waivers as the team finalizes its roster ahead of the upcoming deadline. This decision provides insight into the team's forward group composition for the start of the season.

Wood, a veteran player, had been evaluated during the preseason. His waiver placement suggests that other players are being considered for the final roster spots, particularly among those who were also competing for a place.

The team is navigating salary cap considerations and aiming to avoid potential LTIR use early in the season. Waiving a player with Wood's contract status can create necessary cap flexibility, especially with new contracts and player statuses to manage.

Defensive depth is also a focus for the Blue Jackets, with injuries impacting the blue line. The decision regarding Wood's contract status might influence the team's ability to add other players or manage existing contracts.