Columbus Blue Jackets Face Trade Option in Galchenyuk and Canadiens
The Columbus Blue Jackets travel to Montreal for the second time this season to take on the Montreal Canadiens.
In a big matchup between the top goaltenders in the league the biggest player to watch for Columbus Blue Jackets fans is Alex Galchenyuk. The 23-year-old forward has been the subject of trade rumors for months and Montreal’s place in the standings isn’t calming the chatter.
The Canadiens have the third worst record in the east all while playing the second most games in the conference. The outlook is certainly troubling for the Habs. Making the playoffs this year is almost out of the question at this stage in the season.
Galchenyuk has not had the career many expected in Montreal but has shown flashes of brilliance. His play on the ice often reflects his third overall draft position.
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This season though he is below a 40 point pace. His $4.9 million a year contract would lead you to believe that Montreal expects more from their young center. And Montreal fans always expect more so to say that Galchenyuk hasn’t lived up to their expectations goes without saying.
Jackets Trade Options
Of course everyone in Ohio would like to see the Jackets pick up another elite center. Galchenyuk could fill that role and a change of scenery is exactly what the Wisconsin born forward needs. A fresh start in a city that won’t obsess over his every mistake and some solid consistent linemates is exactly what he needs to thrive.
The Jackets certainly could use a 20-30 goal scorer which Galchenyuk has proven he is. The question is what Montreal GM Marc Bergevin is asking in return.
His recent moves have proven that Bergevin doesn’t necessarily have a road map to success figured out. Or if he does, the roadmap has some unexplainable twist and turns in it. So predicting a move with Montreal is next to impossible.
That said, the Columbus Blue Jackets are ready to deal now that they have signed Cam Atkinson to an extension and their long term cap is on stable ground. So keep your eyes on number 27 tonight. You soon may see him in union blue.