Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

While the compliance buyout window doesn't open up until the NHL playoffs come to a close, I think it's probably a safe bet to say R.J. Umberger has played his last game as a Columbus Blue Jacket.

The Blue Jackets made great strides towards becoming a contending team this year, however, there's a lot of room for improvement. The defense could use some work, they need some more scoring punch up front, and Ryan Johansen needs a new contract.

While Columbus' cap situation is pretty manageable - they have over $20 million in cap space and only Johansen is in line for a big raise - buying out Umberger would provide more flexibility to build a contending team.

Umberger has been the worst shot attempt for percentage (Corsi) on the team among regulars over the last two seasons, and his production is on the steady decline as well.



Over the last few seasons he's went from a guy who can contribute in the top-6 and play in most situations, to a guy who eats a lot of minutes and doesn't really do much positive for you.

He spends most of his shifts in the defensive zone chasing play, and when he's been in the offensive zone he hasn't been able to produce.

At 32 years old, his best days are long behind him, and with three-years remaining on his contract and a cap hit of $4.6 million, potential suitors won't exactly be banging down GM Jarmo Kekalainen's doors.

I'm sure Kekalainen will test the market for Umberger and shop him around, but I think even the GMs who put grit, leadership and all those intangibles on a pedestal wouldn't be dumb enough to take on that contract.

Umberger's days in the NHL aren't done, but he won't have much - if any - trade value, and to take the next step forward and gain more flexibility to improve the team, Kekalainen will likely have to buy him out.

**

Jackets posts:

How should Columbus handle Ryan Johansen's next contract?

Blue Jackets scoring chance numbers: forwards

Blue Jackets scoring chance numbers: defense

Blue Jackets season awards

Devils posts

Could the Devils look to trade Michael Ryder?

Round 2 playoff predictions

Jagr, Devils agree to one-year extension

Comparing Travis Zajac to 13-14 Selke candidates

What will Cory Schneider's next contract look like?

Devils sign Graham Black to three-year ELC

Scoring chance numbers for Devils forwards

Scoring chance numbers for Devils defense

New Jersey Devils 13-14 season awards

On Pete DeBoer, scoring chances, and possession

On Pete DeBoer and how low event hockey helps the Devils

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email: [email protected]