Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Trade Chips
![SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: President of Hockey Operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets John Davidson (L) and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the Columbus Blue Jackets look on from their draft table during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 26: President of Hockey Operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets John Davidson (L) and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the Columbus Blue Jackets look on from their draft table during Round One of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 26, 2015 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5b3c89c6995634bf704f23b9a4d828f1860eeb5d9586627dc0de252530258be9.jpg)
Vitaly Abramov
If the Jackets decide to go all in this year and push for a Stanley Cup before they lose Artemi Panarin, then Abramov has to be on the table. He is the Jackets top prospect and can contribute almost immediately to any NHL team.
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The supremely skilled forward has dominated the QMJHL over the last few seasons and is projecting nicely as a top six NHL forward. The problem for Abramov is that the Jackets don’t really have a spot for him on the NHL squad. With Panarin, Atkinson, Foligno, and Bjorkstrand the top four wing spots are pretty much locked up.
The Jackets already have players like Josh Anderson and Sonny Milano who are top six style forwards playing on the 3rd or 4th lines as well. Whats the team to do with another skilled scorer that doesn’t play elite defense on the bottom six?
That’s why the Jackets should consider trading Abramov if that’s what it takes to get an elite player that can push them on a Stanley Cup run. It won’t be easy to give up this guy who we’ve tracked and been so excited about for years. That’s what it takes to win though and this is the Jackets best chance to do that in franchise history.
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If history tells us anything it’s that Jarmo and JD don’t consider anyone untradeable. Whether the Jackets decided to sell off or push all-in, these guys are prime trade candidates this year.