The Columbus Blue Jackets just wrapped up their draft, highlighted by the selection of defenseman Ryan Murray at No. 2 and being involved in what was almost the dumbest trade in NHL history. They didn't go through with the trade, but at any rate, they've now got to focus on free agency and have decision to make regarding some of their own pending free agents.
Aaron Portzline has announced on Twitter that the team will not be extending qualifying offers to Brent Regner, Taylor Ellington and Shawn Hunwick:
#CBJ will NOT extend qualifying offers D Brent Regner, D Taylor Ellington, G Shawn Hunwick. All become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2012
Regner and Ellington have decent potential but are getting the short end of the stick with the drafting of Murray. Columbus already has a good number of defensemen in the system and Murray is likely the future at the position, so there's no real room to keep those guys around.
In particular, Regner is notable because he made some solid strides this past season. General manager Scott Howson said the decision to cut him was tough, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Still, he, along with the other two, will hit free agency on July 1 and will be free to sign elsewhere. Smart money is on Regner finding a spot elsewhere.
For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, go to The Cannon. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page.