Columbus Blue Jackets Center Addition Alternatives without Matt Duchene

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have been actively pursing Matt Duchene. What other centers could the Jackets target?

The Columbus Blue Jackets need a center. They cannot win a Stanley Cup with the current roster of skaters up the middle. No disrespect to Brandon Dubinsky, but he needs to be a third-line center if the Jackets want to raise the Cup.

The good news is that they are seemingly only a top six center away from having the depth to make a long playoff run. Bad news is everyone is always looking for a top six center and they don’t come cheap.

The Jackets have been in on the Matt Duchene sweepstakes since the beginning. All signs point to the Jackets being leaders in the race for the top flight center as well. But Joe Sakic hasn’t made a move and doesn’t appear to be close to pulling the trigger on a trade anytime soon.

So if the Jackets can’t land Duchene, what are some other options they have at acquiring center? Most of these centers won’t be available until the trade deadline. That will be fine for the Jackets as they need a center not to get in the playoffs, but rather do some damage in the playoffs.

Alex Galchenyuk

The 23-year-old has had some ups and downs in Montreal. Playing in a tough place like that, the pressure that comes from playing for the Habs has led to high expectations that Alex Galchenyuk hasn’t lived up too.

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There have been stories of Montreal and Galchenyuk parting ways and Columbus would be a landing spot. The Wisconsin native could step in and be a good second-line center for the Jackets.

His $4.9 million cap hit is well worth it, especially if he can get back to scoring 20 or more goals a season. He has eclipsed that total twice in the last three years, including a 30-goal season in 2015-2016.

Montreal could be in rough shape this season and need to commit to a rebuild. Defensive prospects are thin after shipping Mikhail Sergachev to Tampa this offseason.

The Jackets have some picks and prospects they could package to entice the Canadiens if they are out of the playoff race early.

Kyle Turris

Another Atlantic division team that could (and probably will) have a worse season this year than last is the Ottawa Senators. They will be without the Swedish demigod Erik Karlsson for quite a bit of time to start their season. They will likely be sellers at the deadline and Kyle Turris will be on the block for them.

In his last three full seasons, Turris has scored 55, 58 and 64 points. He is a playmaker that could lead a sniper like Oliver Bjorkstand to a 30-goal season. Turris is 28 and an ideal second-line center. Keep an eye and ear open for discussions around Turris.

The Senators financial situation and contract timeline may put Turris on the trading block even if they are fighting for a playoff spot.

Ottawa historically has not spent up to the cap and Turris is in a contract year. They won’t be able to afford him, knowing that the aforementioned Karlsson will need a new contract in the summer of 2019. He is a perfect rental player that the Sens will be looking to trade.

John Tavares

OK, fifth liners. Take a deep breath. This is a long shot. But John Tavares trade rumors are going to be swirling when the Islanders are all but mathematically eliminated in November and they still don’t have an arena.

Tavares is a top five center in the league. His addition would give Columbus the second-best center duo in the NHL behind Pittsburgh. It would be unlikely that the Jackets could give him a contract after this season, which makes him coming to Ohio even more unlikely, but just to have him for one playoff run might be enough.

Tavares is the crown jewel of all players that might be on the move. Don’t kid yourself fans, Tavares is worth anything. Zach Werenski might be the only player on the team that wouldn’t be considered in a possible trade.

This longest of long shots though is beyond exciting to think about. Tavares, High Street, Stanley Cup parade. I can see it now.

Next: Foligno at Center in 2017

The Columbus Blue Jackets will need to add a center if they are serious about winning the cup. Who do you think they should go after if Duchene isn’t coming? Comment below and let us know.

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