Crunch time is approaching, but for now...it's time to step back and take a deep breath.
The Metropolitan Division standings are getting tighter by the day.
The early-season cushion that the Blue Jackets built is almost gone.
A small handful of points separates them from the Eastern Conference's playoff barrier with only 36 games to be played. Less than half a season, for those keeping score. I did the math myself.
But you know what? Let's chill for a second.
That's what Blue Jackets management has to do. Restraint has to be hard right now, because from their chairs, it's kind of a helpless feeling. You can't just race out and trade for three players because your injured players are coming back sooner than later, all the while, you're watching your team struggle to score and fade away in games they should win. It's maddening for fans to watch, so how do you think they feel?
The itch to go improve your team is always there. Jarmo Kekalainen is one of the smartest and most calculated GMs in the NHL, rarely if ever susceptible to a panic move. Can you name one that he's made? I'll wait.
Such an approach is what they'll need to take leading up to the trade deadline, which is just over a month away on Feb. 26. They just got Alexander Wennberg back. Ryan Murray is getting closer. Cam Atkinson and Brandon Dubinsky could be back before the end of month, assuming all goes well and their original timetables hold up.
Once that happens and they have a full-ish lineup, then they can put the wheels in motion. They should have ample time between a return to health and the deadline to get a good idea of what they need and which players could potentially fit with their group; I'd expect them to take their usual path of preferring players with term who can help beyond this season, but I'll caveat that by saying we shouldn't rule out the right rental.
They've also got the Jack Johnson situation on their hands, a trade request first reported by The Athletic last week. Another item on their to-do list...provided they find a deal that makes sense. They won't give one of their top six defensemen away, even if he prefers to be moved.
Alright. Another deep breath. Where does that leave us?
In a holding pattern, friends. The Blue Jackets aren't in the most ideal of spots and their game has slipped, but they're still in playoff position with less than half the regular season to go. They take care of their own business and they're fine. They'll play three games between now and the All-Star break, which allows them to rest, practice and buy some time.
I fully expect Kekalainen to make an addition or two before the deadline. He'll do it only when he's convinced he's found the piece that best suits his team, and on the time frame that makes most sense. There's no rush right now, even though it feels like it. Trust me, I've gone through the same emotions...it's easy when the Blue Jackets are scratching and clawing to bang in one or two goals a game.
When his team needs a piece, Kekalainen has shown he's willing to pay a price to make it happen. Let's trust he will follow the same approach this time around, with his team poised for another playoff berth in hockey's toughest division.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- In our Midseason Checkpoint series, the 1OB staff is weighing in on first-half MVP candidates, biggest disappointments and a whole lot more.
- Are the Blue Jackets interested in Canadiens sniper Alex Galchenyuk? A recent report from a national insider indicates they've got eyes on him.
- Jack Johnson wants traded, we know that. Our Sam Blazer breaks down three potential destinations for the veteran Blue Jackets defenseman.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
