Bold prediction #5: The trade deadline brings major changes to the Blue Jackets roster - short and long-term.
First, the facts. The Blue Jackets hired Don Waddell this summer because their rebuild wasn't progressing as quickly as they'd hoped. It's Don's job to speed up the rebuild and get this team into contention. Don didn't make any earth shattering changes to the roster this summer, but we know they're coming at some point.
Now, the prediction. I think Don is going to take this season to evaluate the entire organization. By the time the trade deadline rolls around, he'll have a pretty good idea who fits into this team's long-term plans; and who does not.
We don't expect the Blue Jackets to be a playoff team, but I don't think that means they're going to be fully locked into seller mode this season. Not even at the trade deadline. More to the point, my gut tells me that this team is looking to make hockey trades that will improve this team in both the short and long-term.
The new manager and head coach were not hired for a continuation of lottery picks as part of a long-term rebuild. Waddell and Dean Evason were brought in to right the ship and get this team back to playoff contention soon, rather than later.
After this season, the Blue Jackets could have as much as $46 million dollars in cap space. I expect them to start adding major pieces as early as this season, once Waddell has gotten his evaluations put together.
We will still probably see players like Ivan Provorov, Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, James van Riemsdyk, and possibly Mathieu Olivier dealt away this season. But, the team won't simply go to their young prospects or replacement level players to fill those jobs. I think they'll be buying as well, if the right pieces are made available.
One thing that is for sure: this shouldn't be a boring season of Blue Jackets hockey. There is a lot of talent here, that just needs to take the right steps. Maybe surrounding them with the right coaching staff and veterans will help them do just that.