Columbus Blue Jackets: Calm Before the Trade Deadline
Columbus Blue Jackets: Will We See the Team Make Noise in the Next 24 hours?
The past week has been a busy time around the NHL with a number of trades being made in the past few days, but the Columbus Blue Jackets have not been involved. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks have all been involved in numerous dealings, yet Columbus has been quiet. With less than 24 hours until the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline, will we see the activity pick up in Columbus before 3pm EST on February 29th?
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Many have speculated that Fedor Tyutin and Scott Hartnell are two names all but guaranteed to be traded before the deadline, but so far neither has moved. Tyutin and Hartnell are two untraditional rental options at the deadline, so moving them may prove difficult. Tyutin’s value is diminishing with age and his contract is likely scaring off potential suitors. Hartnell is a more intriguing option as he is putting up nice numbers this season, but term and cap hit may, again, be scaring off those looking for rental solutions. With the window of opportunity closing for moving these two players in season, we may need to look to the offseason to see either involved in a trade.
What about the UFAs?
Rene Bourque may prove to be the most intriguing rental option in a shallow pool of soon-to-be free agents in Columbus. William Karlsson and Boone Jenner are RFAs expected to resign with the team and RFA Dalton Prout could resign as an inexpensive role-player on the blue line. While Bourque may not fetch a highly touted prospect or a high draft pick, moving Bourque by the deadline for any return is simply good asset management. Some contenders may see the large forward as a good bottom six forward for the playoffs and Bourque should be viewed as available.
With Kerby Rychel moving to a consistent role with the NHL club, talks of moving the former first round pick have quieted. While some think a Rychel move is still likely, it appears the club has began efforts to smooth over the relationship by giving the physical winger the opportunity to prove it on the ice.
Next: Interest in Jack Johnson
With less than a day before the deadline and a hope that Jarmo is fielding calls regarding numerous players on the roster, fans sit anxiously watching what unfolds. At a minimum the team should make a small splash by moving Bourque. While the deadline may be a letdown for Jackets fans, we hope to see trade activity pick up from its dormant state.