The Columbus Blue Jackets Don’t Need Artem Anisimov

The Columbus Blue Jackets trading for Artem Anisimov would simply be adding more of what they already have, decent but not great centers.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been linked to their former center Artem Anisimov by 1st Ohio Battery, however the move would make little sense unless it’s simply an acquisition to attempt to keep Artemi Panarin. Even then, especially if the attempt fails, it’s just adding another third line center which is already a position that is in abundance for the team.

Anisimov was a fan favorite in his three seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, however he wasn’t much of a game-changer and since joining Chicago it’s been more of the same. On top of that, according to Capfriendly he has two more seasons on his contract after this year, which isn’t ideal.

Unless the Blue Jackets are planning on moving a player like Alexander Wennberg, Brandon Dubinsky or Riley Nash, there’s no sense in adding an additional $4.5M to the salary cap when they’d get little out of it compared to what they already have.

Anisimov is similar to the Derick Brassard rumors, it’s simply a reunion for the sake of the reunion if there’s nobody moved out. It’s also worth noting, Anisimov was traded away four years ago. He’s no longer in his mid-twenties like he was when he was a Blue Jacket. Would adding an aging Anisimov really help the Blue Jackets in any way except maybe a little of hype from the fan base?

Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t the type of general manager who makes moves to make the fan base happy, he’s the type of general manager who will make whatever move seems the most logical and will benefit the team the most. As a result, it’s unlikely anything will ever come out of the reported interest in Artem Anisimov.