3. Depth forwards...
Speaking hypothetically here: Let's say teams aren't comfortable trading big assets in a Patrik Laine trade. You've tried to get a goaltender, or a defenseman, or an equivalent piece back the other way, but you keep getting turned down.
You know you have to deal him, but you also know you aren't going to get the best player back in any deal. So, maybe adding some depth and leadership to the lower half of your lineup is the right play?
With a roster full of young offensive players; adding some size, experience, and grit to the bottom-six could be very beneficial. There are worse things than having guys like Boone Jenner and Sean Kuraly around to lead the way. If the Jackets can get that kind of personality (or personalities) back in a deal, they could improve in the standings next year.
Obviously, you're not going to get that quality of player in most cases. So, if the value doesn't excite them too much, maybe some draft picks can be added into the deal. I'm sure there's a place for common ground in that kind of trade.
This is the most likely outcome of a "hockey trade" this summer, in my opinion. I don't expect the Jackets to get a crazy large return on Laine. I also don't expect them to trade someone like Kent Johnson, who would be at low dollar value after a sophomore slump.
But, I do think they're looking at ways to improve the roster in the short-term, so the young players can grow and fill it out in the long-term. That's why they went out and signed Sean Monahan and Jack Johnson last week.
As much for their play on the ice; adding veteran voices around the locker room is never a bad thing. Especially for a young team.