Columbus Blue Jackets: Three Trade Proposals for Pick #3

So there you have it, we came up with two offers that we feel like might get Jarmo to blink … and another that still probably doesn’t even come close to providing enough value for the Jackets. What are the odds of any trades happening involving the third overall pick?

I would say, slim to none. Blue Jacket management has been adamant about using this pick to land their long-term #1 center. They happened to be terrible in a year where that’s possible, for the first time in the history of this franchise. Whether it’s Leo Carlsson, or Will Smith, or if Adam Fantilli happens to fall into their laps; whichever player they select here will immediately become the best prospect this team has ever had.

This draft really is that good, and the Jackets have rarely found themselves in a high enough position to land one of these kinds of players. Really, the only other time they’ve been in this spot, was when they traded up in 2002 to select Rick Nash first overall. And, any of the prospects I just mentioned, have a great shot at being better NHL players. Any of them could be the face of this franchise for the next decade, or more – and could end up with their own number in the rafters by the time it’s all said and done.

To win in the NHL, you need a guy like this. All of the teams who are consistently in contention in the NHL have one thing in common: high end #1 centers. There’s no chance the Blue Jackets give up their opportunity to land one of these guys, without the other team making a ridiculous overpayment. But there is one idea that has come up, which could make a move here possible. Could the Jackets actually trade up a slot?

Anaheim Ducks – Just a draft pick. Alright, I’ll admit it, this one is bold for both sides. But hear me out for a second.

Why it works: The Ducks have two really good young centers, already playing in the NHL. They also have a nice prospect pool, full of quality young defensemen. What they don’t have much of in their system, are good scoring wingers. Maybe they really like Matvei Michkov, and they’re willing to be patient for him to come over from Russia. Maybe adding another skilled young Russian sniper helps them buy time? This move allows them to avoid the “should’ve taken Fantilli” talk, take Michkov, and add two scoring wingers to their system.

The Jackets move up one spot, which allows them to make the pick that I feel like they really want to make, securing Adam Fantilli. It could be a win/win for both sides.

Why it doesn’t: Well, when is the last time you see a team bowing out of the playoffs and complaining about having “too many centers”? The Ducks probably don’t see enough value here to drop back a spot, even if Michkov projects as a future superstar. Fantilli is a difference maker, and there is no such thing as too many centers in the NHL.

Ultimately, I think the top-5 of this draft will take place in the exact order it’s in now. Each of these teams in the top-5 are eyeing the future of their franchise with these picks – not some patchwork roster fix, or spare parts deal.