Columbus Blue Jackets Options Without Duchene: Status Quo
The Columbus Blue Jackets are still well in the running to acquire Matt Duchene in a trade. If they don’t they still have solid options at center.
Trade talks between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche continue after a weekend of mass speculation from 5th liners. The Jackets are still the likely front runners to acquire center Matt Duchene in a trade.
A top six center would make the Jackets immediate front runners to go to the Stanly Cup Finals our of the east this season, especially with the players Pittsburgh and Washington lost in free agency.
But Avs GM Joe Sakic is known to be a bit stubborn, to put it lightly. Reports say that Sakic wants Columbus’ top defensive prospect in Gabriel Carlsson along with Ryan Murray and a 1st round pick. Such a high price certainly would put Columbus out of the Duchene sweepstakes.
Related Story: CBJ Offer Avs Trade for Duchene
So how do the Jackets move forward without Duchene?
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Status Quo isn’t Always Bad
The Columbus Blue Jackets still have plenty of options. None as enticing as Matt Duchene but the status quo is palatable.
Alexander Wennberg is a top flight center. His play and numbers have proven that and his upward trajectory will continue this season. Wennberg will flirt with 70 points this season.
The second line will continue to be centered by Brandon Dubinsky. Although not an elite second line center, Dubinsky is certainly capable. He is better suited to be a third line center and would give the CBJ elite talent on their third line.
But that third line role should be filled nicely by Pierre-Luc Dubois. PLD put up huge numbers in the Q last season after being traded to Armada. He carried his team to the league championship and had a solid Development Camp. The 19-year-old should find a spot in the NHL next season flanked by some pretty solid wingers.
Finally, Lukas Sedlak is a prototypical fourth line center. Sedlak has a stellar first year with the Jackets and if he can stay healthy could be a crucial component of their playoff run next season. He can kill penalties, is great defensively, and will net you some scrappy goals throughout the year. Sedlak also had great possession numbers last season which is ideal in any center, but especially your fourth line center.
Of course their are other options out there for centerman. Alex Galchenyuk leaving Montreal rumors are still swirling. A solid choice to fill a lower line position is veteran Mike Fisher from Nashville who is a free agent. They could even make a run at RFA and former Blue Jacket Ryan Johansen.
Related Story: CBJ Should Make a Run at Ryan Johansen
If the Jackets don’t get Duchene, they players they currently have can perform. The point is not to oversell for Duchene. Columbus has valuable pieces with bright futures. Let’s not be so quick to spend them all for one player.