It has become pretty clear that things need to change for the Blue Jackets. Aside from Zach Werenski (and maybe Kirill Marchenko or Jet Greaves), the team just doesn't have enough star power to take over games. They may need to make a hockey trade this summer to shake things up-and that trade will likely mean a dip into their prospect pool to package assets away.
Zach needs help.
When Werenski isn't on his A-game, it isn't uncommon to see the structure of the team start to stray from what it needs to be. While Zach may be the best defenseman in the NHL, he's still going to have off nights where other players need to step up.
Many fans believe the Jackets should go all-in on adding a blockbuster forward to help ease some of the scoring load off of Werenski's shoulders. However, with free agency leaving a lot to be desired this year, the only way that may happen is through a trade.
To do that, a trade package of roster players, draft picks, and talented prospects is usually involved. Today we can take a look at the latter of those assets to see where the Jackets prospect pool stands in terms of trade value and likelihood.
I will be sorting current prospects into five categories: untouchables, central trade pieces, peripheral trade pieces, a "too young" category for players who have been acquired too recently to trade, and an "other" category for players who don't really fit these sections.
I will be covering all players taken in the 2021 Draft or since then who are either on the Cleveland Monsters or playing for another team with contract rights to the Blue Jackets. I also won't be including any established NHL players for Columbus. I won't be including any undrafted free agents as their value is negligible due to their age.
With all of that aside, let's start with prospects who should be safely locked away from other NHL teams.
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