The Columbus Blue Jackets need to build on an already impressive core of players.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a fairly good start but they’ll need to add some players if they want to create a winning group of players who can go deep in the playoffs. In a vital year for the team’s future, winning means more than ever because that may be the only way to keep Artemi Panarin.
5. Sam Reinhart
Sam Reinhart is in a difficult situation for the Buffalo Sabres, as he currently seems to slot in as the third line center of the future. Jack Eichel and Casey Mittelstadt are projected to be stars for the Sabres and will be the main focus of the top two lines.
The 22-year old will be difficult to pry out of the hands of the Sabres, but it would certainly be possible with the pieces the Blue Jackets have in the reserves. So far through 14 games played, the center has a single goal and 7 assists for a total of 8 points.
A piece who could be used to start negotiations would be Sonny Milano, a winger who with the right linemates could tear up the NHL. He recently got center back to the AHL as a result of the return of Brandon Dubinsky. Ryan Murray is a pending RFA after this season, who could also be added into the mix to bolster the Buffalo defense behind rookie sensation Rasmus Dahlin.
Another interesting option would be trading Sergei Bobrovsky to the Sabres, as he would almost instantly put them in playoff contention. It would be difficult for them to re-sign him though.