What Will The Columbus Blue Jackets Do At The Trade Deadline?

Despite entering the season focused on development and managing grief, the Columbus Blue Jackets have surged into playoff contention, forcing management to balance selling assets with maintaining a competitive roster ahead of the trade deadline. Captain Boone Jenner’s return and available cap space add intrigue to their deadline strategy.

It wasn’t supposed to happen this way—not in terms of wins or losses. This season was expected to be about young players developing, learning a new coach’s system, and managing the grief of Johnny Gaudreau’s death. Instead, players have taken major steps forward, the team has fully embraced Dean Evason’s system, and perhaps the biggest obstacle—grief—has brought them even closer together. As of this release, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit in the first Wild Card playoff spot.

This was supposed to be a season where a few players would be moved at the trade deadline with an eye toward the future. Names like Ivan Provorov and Sean Kuraly were not expected to stick around all season. Provorov, in particular, would likely net a solid return. As it stands, Waddell has confirmed that there have been conversations between the Blue Jackets and Provorov’s representatives.

Many media members and NHL insiders have said the Blue Jackets’ deadline plans are among the most fascinating to watch. As well as Columbus has played, the roster still has some flaws and could use additional production at both ends of the ice.

Captain Boone Jenner, who has been out since the preseason, is nearing a return—which, in itself, is as good as a trade. Jenner, who has posted 30-goal seasons in three straight years, can add even more offensive firepower. Scoring is not high on the Blue Jackets’ trade wish list, however, as they currently rank second in 5-on-5 goals this season.

The smart play is to both sell now while keeping the team competitive in the playoff race—where Waddell will earn his paycheck. Teams will call, and Columbus will make calls as well. The Blue Jackets have the cap space to add a player or two, but at what cost? Trades are rarely easy, as most teams must trade contracts for contracts to stay under the salary cap. Columbus, however, does not face that limitation.