Brooke: Zach Werenski just said he wants to stay in Columbus long term. And the front office just locked up two more core pieces. Is this the summer the Blue Jackets finally turn the corner?
Tony: Brooke, I think the answer is yes. And we've got the mailbag loaded with questions about all of it. Let's get into it.
Brooke: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast, Columbus Blue Jackets edition. I'm Brooke, alongside the sharpest hockey mind we know, Tony. And today it's all about you — the fans.
Tony: That's right. We're diving into the mailbag. First up, your questions on the biggest storyline: Zach Werenski's future and the team's direction.
Brooke: Plus, we'll break down the roster battles after those big contract signings. And we'll wrap with a fun hypothetical and a lightning round.
Brooke: Let's start with a question from Sarah in Rochester. She asks: 'With Werenski saying he wants to stay, does that change how you see the team's timeline?' Tony?
Tony: Great question, Sarah. It's a signal. Werenski has two years left on his deal, and he's saying he's all in. That tells me the front office is pushing to contend now, not in five years.
Brooke: So does that mean we should expect a big splash before the deadline? Or is this more about building from within?
Tony: I think it's both. They've already invested in young guys like Fantilli and Marchenko. And now with Sillinger and Greaves locked up, they're building a core that can grow together.
Brooke: Speaking of Sillinger — Cole Sillinger signed a three-year, $13.875 million deal to avoid arbitration. What does that say about his role?
Tony: It says they believe in him as a middle-six center. That's a fair deal for a guy who's still developing. He's got the size and the two-way game, and now he's got security.
Brooke: And Jet Greaves — three years, $15 million. That's a real commitment in goal. What's your read on that one?
Tony: It's a bet on upside. Greaves has shown flashes, and with Merzlikins and Copley also in the mix, the crease is crowded. But this deal says they see Greaves as a future starter.
Brooke: So, Sarah from Rochester, there's your answer. The timeline is now. Stick with us — after the break, we're answering your questions on the roster battles.
Brooke: Welcome back. We're talking roster battles now. Marcus from Denver asks: 'Who wins the third-line center job between Monahan, Coyle, and Lundestrom?'
Tony: That's a good one. I think Sean Monahan has the inside track. He's got the experience and the faceoff ability. But Coyle brings size and Lundestrom has speed. It's a coaching decision.
Brooke: And what about the wing? Voronkov, Marchenko, Nichushkin — that's a lot of talent. Who stands out to you?
Tony: Marchenko is the one I'm watching. He's got that scoring touch. If he can stay healthy, he could be a top-line winger. Nichushkin is a wildcard — he's got the size and skill, but he needs to stay consistent.
Brooke: Another roster question from @CBJ4Life: 'What do we do with all these defensemen? Provorov, Severson, Fabbro, Mateychuk...'
Tony: That's a good problem to have. Mateychuk is the future, so you need to get him minutes. Provorov and Severson are your veterans. Fabbro adds depth. It's about finding the right pairings.
Brooke: So, who gets the odd man out on the blue line?
Tony: I'd say Brendan Smith is the likely scratch. He's a solid veteran, but with all these young guys pushing, he might be the one who sits. But that's a good problem to have.
Brooke: And in goal, with Greaves signing, what happens with Merzlikins?
Tony: Elvis is still a capable starter, but this is a competition. Greaves is the future, but Merzlikins could be traded if the right deal comes along. It's a fluid situation.
Brooke: Alright, we've got more mailbag coming up. Stay with us for our fun hypothetical and lightning round.
Brooke: We're back. Time for a fun one. @HockeyHank asks: 'If you could only pick one player to build around for the next five years, who is it?'
Tony: That's easy. Zach Werenski. He's a franchise defenseman in his prime. You build around him and add pieces around him.
Brooke: But what about Fantilli? He's young and has huge upside.
Tony: Fantilli is a close second, but Werenski is proven. He's the anchor. You can win with a guy like that.
Brooke: Alright, lightning round. Quick takes, no hesitation. First: Who scores the most goals this season? Tony?
Tony: Kirill Marchenko. He's due for a breakout.
Brooke: Second: Who's the most underrated player on this roster?
Tony: Dante Fabbro. He's a solid defensive defenseman who doesn't get enough credit.
Brooke: Third: Over or under on the Blue Jackets making the playoffs this season?
Tony: I'm going over. They're fifth in the Metro right now, and with this roster, they can push for a wild card.
Brooke: Bold take. I like it. That's all the time we have for the mailbag. Let's wrap it up.
Brooke: Thanks for sending in your questions, everyone. We covered Werenski's commitment, the Sillinger and Greaves deals, and the roster battles ahead.
Tony: And don't forget, the Blue Jackets open the season at home against the Buffalo Sabres on October first. That's a big one.
Brooke: Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with your fellow Blue Jackets fans. And as always, let's go Blue Jackets!
Tony: See you next time, Jackets fans.