Columbus Blue Jackets: Trade Candidates Who Would Help a Cup Run
The Columbus Blue Jackets are hot to start the season, but we shouldn’t assume it’ll be an easy year. There’s always room to improve, especially for a team still looking to win its first playoff series in franchise history.
A young, fast team is a good way to describe the current Columbus Blue Jackets. They have offensive and defensive weapons, as well as a reliable goaltender.
It seems as if they’ll be able to make the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed. Jarmo Kekalainen and the front office won’t settle for just being good in the regular season.
Jackets fans were begging for Matt Duchene all summer, but a trade never happened. This leaves some thinking a trade will be necessary to make a deep playoff run.
Duchene talk aside, there are plenty of candidates that could come to Columbus via trade. I’m not including Duchene in this list, because we already know about him and how he could help this team.
With players like Ryan Murray stepping up and Nick Foligno filling in nicely at center, the Blue Jackets probably won’t want to give up too much. A trade would shake up the lineup, but the Jackets have appealing pieces so who knows what to expect.
James Neal
The real deal himself, James Neal is definitely a trade candidate for this season. The Vegas Golden Knights may be good at the moment but I don’t suspect it’ll keep up all season long.
Neal has 8 points in 6 games to start the year, and wears an “A” for the Golden Knights too. He’s an important part to their team right now.
https://twitter.com/GoldenKnights/status/917949546944086016
However, sports fans know how quickly things can change. I wouldn’t expect a move for James Neal to happen in the next month or so, if one does occur, but more towards the trade deadline.
Neal is an experienced player. He’s played in over 700 NHL games if you include his playoff appearances. You can bet a bunch of contending teams will be keeping their eyes on James Neal.
The Jackets would be smart to do so as well. Neal’s experience in the NHL could prove crucial to the Columbus Blue Jackets if he makes his way over this year.
John Tavares
If the Islanders play poorly, John Tavares could be a name to watch for. His name has been floating around a bit already, so imagine what could happen if the Islanders don’t improve.
The downside to trading for Tavares is how much it would cost to get him. There’s no need to even bother with him if the Jackets aren’t prepared to lose a good amount.
Tavares is 27 years old and has been in the NHL since he was 19. He’s an elite player with a bit of playoff experience to his name.
This would be a complete blockbuster trade if it were to happen, but the Jackets would be in an awesome position for the near future (if he decided to sign long-term with the Columbus Blue Jackets).
He would bolster the center of the ice and be a force offensively. It may be risky to put a trade like this together, but why not make a run for it all while the window is still open?
Dylan Strome
This one may be a bit of a stretch, but Dylan Strome could be a trade target to look out for.
He was drafted in 2015 and has only played a few NHL games, but his status in Arizona right now isn’t ideal. Especially for a guy who has the apparent upside as him.
The 20 year old has begun each of the past two years in the NHL, but has been sent down each year. Currently, he’s in Tuscon playing in the AHL.
The #Yotes have sent Dylan Strome to the AHL, wanting him to think quicker on the ice. https://t.co/IhZ0yA2hFG pic.twitter.com/RHJGWdlJZY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 9, 2017
An organization like Arizona can’t afford to miss on a No. 3 overall pick. If they have the opportunity to get something for Strome, I could see them doing it.
He has already been passed in the lineup by Christian Dvorak and Clayton Keller, both young centers as well. A change of scenery could be good for Strome.
It would also probably help him if he weren’t in an organization that was at the bottom of the league. Taking a bit of pressure off is always helpful.
Next: Blue Jackets Miss Power Play Opportunity
Again, I know that Strome may be a bit of a stretch in terms of finding help for a playoff run this year, but I think it could be worth the shot.
Who do you think the Blue Jackets should trade for? Let us know in the comments below and on social media!