Gary Bettman makes a major exception for the Columbus Blue Jackets going into the new season

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Tom Banks
October 1, 2024 (5:26 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are still reeling from an off-season tragedy, and now Gary Bettman and the NHL have given them a major assist heading into the new season.

This off-season has been one full of tragedy and heartbreak for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and with the regular season fast approaching, it's understandable that some sides of the business have lacked behind this summer. Now, the NHL have shown them plenty of compassion, with the league announcing a major exception for Columbus heading into the 2024/25 regular season.

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the NHL have waived the October 7th deadline for teams to reach the salary cap floor for Columbus, instead will simply expect the team to get there 'in reasonable time'. What this means is that Columbus, who are just $1.4 million below the $65 million cap floor will need to add salary via the waiver wire or a trade in the near future, with the league being very flexible given the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau.

This is a great move from the NHL, as Columbus were set to be well over the salary cap floor, but with $9.5 million taken off the books, but will now find themselves needing to add another player. With the likes of Mike Hoffman, Phil Kessel, Sammy Blais and so many other players available, on top of players that will likely be waived in the coming days, Columbus will have the opportunity to add some pieces to make the salary cap floor for the 2024/25 season.

This season is going to be a tough one for the NHL, but especially for Calgary and Columbus as the season gets started for the first time without Gaudreau, and while the NHL aren't giving the Blue Jackets a leg up, this was the type of exception that was needed to make, so we will now see how GM Don Waddell and the team handle the situation.