George Richards, FHN Publisher
On Sept. 1, 2017, the Columbus Blue Jackets locked up their top center with a six-year contract yet just three years later, Alexander Wennberg is now with the Florida Panthers.
Things definitely did not work out the way either side thought it would.
Wennberg was Columbus’ No. 1 center after scoring 13 goals with 59 points in a breakout 2016-17 season.
The Jackets’ first-round pick in 2013, it appeared Wennberg would center Columbus’ top line for years.
Soon, however, Wennberg started to struggle and rookie Pierre-Luc Dubois took his spot.
Over the ensuing three years, Wennberg’s stock in Columbus started to sink as he went from 59 points in the season prior to getting the big contract to a total of 82 in the following three seasons.
Two seasons ago, he ended up scoring just two goals with 25 points in 75 games (.33 points per game).
Last year, he had 22 points in 57 games (.39) but bounced back in the bubble, with three goals and five points in 10 postseason games.
“There are a lot of things that, I feel that the fit in Columbus just wasn’t there,” Wennberg said from his home in Sweden on Saturday morning.
“Things weren’t really working out. To get a fresh start with a new organization, new coach and a new team, I think it could be something really good for me. …
“My situation in Columbus wasn’t helping me, wasn’t helping the team. It wasn’t the best fit. Columbus is the only NHL team I have played for so I don;t know anything else. To experience some new things is something I am excited about. This could help me become a better person, a better hockey player. Again, it is something I am super-excited about.”
In what would be his final game with the Jackets, Wennberg had a goal and an assist, only his fourth multi-point game of the season.
One of those came in the Jackets’ 4-1 win over the Panthers in Sergei Bobrovsky’s return to Columbus on New Year’s Eve.
On Thursday, the Blue Jackets cut bait and bought out the final three years of Wennberg’s contract.
Less than 24 hours later, he had a new home with the Panthers.
“I didn’t know about getting bought out until the first of October, so it happened pretty quickly,” Wennberg said.
“Just to take the whole thing in … getting bought out, going to a new team, a new situation. It’s a roller-coaster for sure. But I am really excited for it.
“I felt like I needed a new place with someone who believes in me, wants me to play a type of way. I couldn’t find a better option than Florida. I am so psyched about it, so excited to get started.”
New Florida GM Bill Zito was part of the team which signed Wennberg to the six-year contract and said he has seen Wennberg at his best — and, watched the past three years as well.
The Panthers gave him a low-risk one-year deal worth $2.25 million and with it, the opportunity to shine all over again.
Florida can use Wennberg as either its second or third-line center, can play him on the wing if need be.
Zito, Wennberg said, was one of the first to call after news broke that Columbus was buying him out and making him a free agent.
The two have a past — and Zito hopes a bright future in South Florida.
“I am just focused on what is in front of us,” Zito said. “I am just here to help Alex in any way I can, but I think his focus is going to be on helping this team and moving forward, taking advantage of the opportunity in front of him which will be significant. He will be a leader and focus on winning.”
Added Wennberg: “He talked to me about the team, the organization and everything and I’m just super-excited about the opportunity right here. Just playing against Florida, it’s a really interesting team. It was kind of a stressful day with all the calls and stuff, but I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
While Zito says he is excited about seeing Wennberg “jumpstart” things with the Panthers, Wennberg should not expect any special treatment just because they have a past relationship.
And he said he does not.
“He has seen me play at my best in Columbus but also my worst,” Wennberg said. “It’s good to have a guy like him … but he’s not going to be easy on me just because I am a former Columbus player.
“He’s going to push me more. I think it’s good to have that , to become a better player you need a push from the GM or the coach.”
Wennberg is a smart player who sees the ice extremely well and is, sometimes to his detriment, not afraid to pass the puck.
That is good news to whomever is on his wings but can sometimes be frustrating to watch.
While Sasha Barkov has a stranglehold on Florida’s top center spot, Wennberg is likely going to get plenty of ice time with the Panthers.
And, he may get a chance to play with countryman Patric Hornqvist, who were teammates for Sweden at the world championships, as well.
Wennberg will also be joined in Florida by former Columbus teammates Bobrovsky and Markus Nutivaara.
“I feel like I have a lot more to bring, the last couple of years have been down years for me,” said Wennberg, who said Barkov, Hornqvist and Keith Yandle were two of the players who had reached out to welcome him to the team.
“I want to come in, you could say jumpstart, but I have potential to be better and help the organization who wants me. If they believe in me, I can play to my strengths.
“Florida is a great opportunity for me but this is a great opportunity for them as well. It could be a real good fit. A lot has happened, a lot of emotion, but for me, hockey-wise, this is where I want to be. … It was a tough choice, but looking back at it, it was easy.”