In a brief chat with reporters before the Blue Jackets played Boston on the second day of the NHL Prospects Challenge, Waddell said he’s circled back into the free-agent pool in the search for players who can fill immediate roster needs. He’s not talking about PTOs, but actual contracts.

The Blue Jackets’ forward group has been thinned out in recent weeks. The team moved Patrik Laine to Montreal while Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed late last month. Meanwhile, GM Don Waddell told reporters Saturday including Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch that forward Justin Danforth won’t be available for the start of training camp due to a hand/wrist injury.