It was not supposed to happen this way, not in terms of wins or losses. This season was supposed to be a combination of young players' development, learning a new coach's system, and managing the grief of Johnny Gaudreau's death. Instead, players have taken big steps in development, the team has fully bought into Dean Evason's system, and perhaps the biggest obstacle, grief, has brought them together. As of this release, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit in the first Wild-Card Playoff spot.
This was going to be a season in which some players would be moved at the trade deadline with an eye on the future. Names like Ivan Provorov and Sean Kuraly were not likely to stick around all season. Provorov would certainly net a solid return. As we sit here Waddell has said that there have been conversations between the Blue Jackets and Provorov's reps.
Many media and NHL insiders have said the Blue Jackets deadline plans are among the most fascinating to keep tabs on. As well as Columbus has played the roster does have some flaws and could use more production at both ends of the ice.
Captain Boone Jenner who has been out since the preseason is nearing a return, which in and of itself is as good as a trade. Jenner, who has 30 goals in three straight seasons, can add more offensive firepower. Scoring is not as high on the trade wishlist as the Blue Jackets are second in 5v5 goals this season.
The smart answer is to both sell now while keeping the team in playoff contention which is where Waddell will earn his money. Teams will call as will the Blue Jackets make calls. Columbus has the cap space to add a player or two, but at what cost? Trades are not easy as generally, teams trade contracts for a contract to stay within the salary cap. Columbus does not have that issue.