Columbus Blue Jackets Options Without Duchene: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The trade rumors around Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene have cooled down, so it may be time for the Columbus Blue Jackets to look at other options. One of these options includes Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The Columbus Blue Jackets need for a top flight center is very apparent. It is also apparent that this need will have to be filled through trade now that the free agent market has filled at center with that being an already weak free agent class.

While Matt Duchene seems to be at the top of Blue Jackets’ fans wish lists, it looks that talks between the Avalanche have stalled with Colorado reportedly asking for too much for the 26-year-old. Despite that, Columbus should keep looking West.

The Edmonton Oilers look like they may have an abundance of centers. It looks like the expendable piece would be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Nugent-Hopkins is expendable now because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s magnificent play.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied 43 points with 18 goals and 25 assists. These numbers do not jump out at you, but he has had a diminished role with McDavid and Draisaitl taking over. A change of scenery and increased role may help boost Nugent-Hopkins numbers.

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The Oilers may also be willing to trade Nugent-Hopkins to help gain some cap room due to Connor McDavid’s new $12.5 million cap hit next year and Leon Draisatl’s new deal.

Duchene vs. Nugent-Hopkins

The Columbus Blue Jackets should look long and hard at Nugent-Hopkins because he is going to cost much less than Matt Duchene. This will help fill the void at center while not mortgaging the farm.

If the Blue Jackets acquired Nugent-Hopkins, they would be acquiring a 24-year-old with four years remaining on his deal while Duchene is 26-years-old with only two years left on his deal. Both players do have a $6 million cap hit.

Columbus does not have to make a move at this point, but they will have to shore up the center position at some point. If a move is not made over the summer, a move could be made at the trade deadline.