A Perfect Blue Jackets Night

Thanks to everyone who stuck around all day with us! We’ve tried to keep you as up to date as possible with analysis of the most anticipated final mocks, what to expect from tonight and kept you updated with rumors and (exaggerated) potential trades. Now it’s time to get selfish and tell you what I want, realistically.

I’ve been a big proponent of adding blue-line help but doing it smartly. I don’t want to reach, luckily it seems it should work out where we won’t have to, or overpay to move up, luckily the Columbus Blue Jackets seem to be doing just that.

It seems we’re playing our cards right though it’s widely considered that there are only 3 main defenceman for the Jackets to target without reaching, something the Jackets seem hellbent on doing-no matter how many offenseman it gives us (see the 4 first round picks used on offenseman the last 2 years). That seems to narrow down the possibilities and opportunities the Jackets have, tipping their hands a bit.

It comes to down to a few options.

1.) Stay at #8 and draft Ivan Provorov or Zach Werenski.

Analysts seem very high on both as they’re rated in 6-10 on most draft boards. Both are solid players and should be Top 2, maybe Top 4 Defenceman. I personally like Werenski better (you can read my full analysis here) , it seems the Jackets do too based on a recent report from Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch. Though many have Provorov rated higher and he’s been the most linked to the Blue Jackets through most mock drafts. Recently though quite a few mock drafts have Provorov going 7th to the Philadelphia Flyers.

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2.) Trade up with Arizona Coyotes for #3

This trade will more than likely be to grab top rated defenceman Noah Hanifin. Hanifin is widely considered to be more NHL ready with a higher future ceiling than both Werenski and Provorov. He more than likely could be a #1 in most non 2 superstar drafts. Recent reports are that the Coyotes are looking for too much. The Boston Bruins, who recently just put themselves in possession of the #13, #14, and #15 pick in tonight’s draft are also reported to be interested in Hanifin. They clearly have the upper-hand when it comes to ammo, though again that depends on what the Coyotes are wanting or how far the Bruins or Blue Jackets are willing to go. It’s clear that GM Jarmo Kekalainen is wanting/exploring a trade up based on these comments to the Blue Jackets website,”But I think the optimal situation would be, in our case, we see what’s available at (No. 8) and then get to 5 or 6 and see if it’s there anymore or if we have to move to 6 to get (the prospect).” If Arizona skips on a trade and doesn’t take Hanifin the Jackets could make the move if he drops, as many are saying he might after Arizona to #5 to the Carolina Hurricanes.

More from Union and Blue

• Blaming Columbus Blue Jacket Players for Babcock Fallout is Unfair
• The Mike Babcock Experiment in Columbus Has Failed
• Blue Jacket Prospects Win Traverse City Tournament: Who Stood Out?
• Mike Babcock Resigns as CBJ Head Coach: Reaction
• New Claims Bring Higher Level of Concern to Babcock Situation

My Want:

I want the Jackets to explore getting up to get Hanifin but too much is too much. I’m very happy with Werenski as a consolation prize but I just really feel the Jackets need to trade up and get Hanifin. I don’t believe they’ll be this high any time soon after an explosive end of the season run. Cash in and grab an amazing talent who can pair with Ryan Murray to hold down the blue-line for the next decade.

If not….Zach Werenski is also going to be a beast who I absolute love. There’s just not that guarantee than Hanifin brings. Either way the Jackets are in a great opportunity to build this team to be a dynasty for the new few seasons.