Nearly all of the trade rumors about the Columbus Blue Jackets have centered around Matt Duchene. However, the question that hasn’t been asked is, would Duchene’s teammate Gabriel Landeskog be a better fit in Columbus?
It’s not a secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets are in the market for a top six forward, more specifically a center. While Gabriel Landeskog isn’t a center, he certainly could be a top six forward on every team in the league.
The ability to play center at an almost elite level is a major reason why the Blue Jackets have constantly been linked to Matt Duchene. While a center core of Alexander Wennberg, Brandon Dubinsky, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Lukas Sedlak isn’t mind blowing; it could potentially get the job done with the right wingers beside them.
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In the 2016-2017 season, Landeskog and Duchene both had rough years and their stats reflect that. Landeskog’s point totals were the lowest they had ever been in a full season. He only scored 18 goals, and his assists numbers were less than half of what he usually puts up with 15 assists. This certainly provides the biggest issue when it comes to Landeskog, his cap hit. A 33 point scorer who gets paid $5.5M for the next four years is far from a bargain (Capfriendly.com), especially when it is unknown whether or not he will return to his former ways. All of these factors could easily scare off Jarmo Kekalainen and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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On the other hand, Landeskog’s age is certainly in his favor. He was named captain of the Avalanche when he was only 19 years old, and is currently 24. He’s produced at a solid level for a majority of his career, and he will most likely rebound; especially if he gets out of Colorado.
The Same Problem
The most difficult factor if the Columbus Blue Jackets were to pursue Landeskog, would be the exact same one that they’re facing with Matt Duchene–Joe Sakic. If he’s demanding a fortune for a 26-year-old center with only two seasons left on his contract, imagine what he would ask for a 24-year-old with four years left that puts up similar numbers.
Gabriel Landeskog is a fantastic young player and will be a force in the NHL for at least another decade. The Columbus Blue Jackets should steer clear of him though, mainly due to the length of his contract. If a Matt Duchene deal can’t be completed, then Landeskog is a decent back up plan; the contract will certainly handicap the team.