As the Columbus Blue Jackets season continues, there is a gaping hole at center and there may be an option in Edmonton.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been in the hunt to land a number one or a number two center before the season has started, but they have shown that they are willing to wait it out and not overpay or make a trade just to make a trade.
While Columbus waiting it out on Matt Duchene and Colorado appears to be the right move, the Blue Jackets should look to make a move with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have depth at center and could move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Blue Jackets should look to acquire the former number one overall pick.
The Columbus Blue Jackets would add a top 6 forward with Nugent-Hopkins. Ryan is only 24 years old and has 18 points in 25 games for the Oilers. This would add another skilled forward to the Jackets and would add a center that isn’t afraid to shoot the puck.
As mentioned before Nugent-Hopkins is still young and is having a stellar season, so the Oilers price for the center may be high. Columbus should still pick up the phone and see what it would take to acquire him.
How A Deal May Go Down
The Edmonton Oilers have depth at center and have to make a move at some point to acquire a defenseman. This plays into the Jackets hands. Columbus has depth at defense and has options at defense to move.
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The most obvious choice to be dealt by the Columbus Blue Jackets is Ryan Murray. Murray has played alright in Columbus and has plenty of NHL experience, but he will not be enough to make a deal straight up. Columbus would definitely have to sweeten the pot with another NHL level player. These two main pieces of a potential deal could each use a change of scenery.
Among other options in a deal for Nugent-Hopkins, Columbus could look to deal Markus Nutivaraa among other pieces in a deal for Nugent-Hopkins. In a deal that includes Markus Nutivaara, Columbus would have to add much more than in a deal includes the young fin compared to if they made Murray the main piece of the deal.
The Oilers should be a team that Blue Jackets fans keep an eye on. If the Oilers continue to struggle they may be forced to make a deal to shore up the back end. Columbus should definitely keep an eye out to see if Edmonton is willing to give up Nugent-Hopkins at a bearable price.