3 young trade candidates at forward who would ignite the Blue Jackets in 2024-25

The Columbus Blue Jackets have another high draft pick and an outstanding prospects pool, but there are also a few trade candidates who they should consider.

Feb 29, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (88) wrists a shot on goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports / Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

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Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks

Just about every team in the NHL will be vying for Trevor Zegras if the Anaheim Ducks start fielding calls for the 23-year-old. Zegras can help a rebuilding team like the Blue Jackets as another addition to the core, but he can also factor in as the missing link for a team on the verge of making the playoffs.

Regardless of where he may end up, if the Ducks were to trade Zegras, it would be for a steep price, thanks to his age and potential. But given their center depth, moving him wouldn’t hurt the organization, especially at the compensation; they can move him to get deeper at other positions.

He may not go for the same price as Cirelli, as the latter is a more proven talent, but his high potential indicates that Zegras could go for more compensation than Necas. Throughout this article, I have been asking you to picture the likes of Necas and Cirelli lining up on the top line alongside Adam Fantilli and Johnny Gaudreau, but Zegras could bring more productivity in the long run than the other two.

He doesn’t have the same defensive capabilities as Cirelli, but Zegras can put up more points, and he has yet to reach his ceiling when his team has the puck.

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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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