The Blue Jackets have less than three weeks to give their roster a boost.
Oh yeah, they sure need one.
Whether it's a center or a winger, it's become clear that what they currently have might not be able to get them into the playoffs. GM Jarmo Kekalainen has been watching his team struggle to convert chances, flounder in tight games, and leave valuable points on the table but benefit from other teams in the division going through similar slumps.
So with time ticking away before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, it's getting to business time for the Blue Jackets. What can they do? Who might they target? What needs can they possibly fill, and how will they go about doing it?
Assets aren't in high supply for the Blue Jackets but they do have pieces. Jack Johnson has reportedly asked for a trade. Matt Calvert is a pending free agent, as well, and they have several young players who could be attractive assets for teams with the impactful players available.
It doesn't only apply to acquiring players, either – regardless of their position in the standings, the Blue Jackets will have difficult decisions to make with a few players as they approach the deadline...as a buyer or a seller.
BOONE JENNER
Elliotte Friedman mentioned in this week's 31 Thoughts column that former Blue Jackets forward Brandon Saad may be a candidate for a fresh start. Wouldn't that be something if the Blackhawks decided to move him less than a year after dealing away Artemi Panarin to bring him back? Yikes. In that same note, Friedman said Boone Jenner could be a player in a similar situation; he's a restricted free agent and hasn't had a good season. The Blue Jackets may look to package him in a deal to acquire another player, or seek to recoup an asset if Jenner isn't in their long-term plans. It's purely speculation at this point, but Friedman making note of it means there's at least the possibility it's been discussed.
JACK JOHNSON
Keep him, trade him, take another run at re-signing him?
Two of those options – the first two – seem most likely. There's a chance he could be moved in a player-for-player swap (a rental deal has been mentioned), but taking Kekalainen at face value, such a deal will only be made if it makes the Blue Jackets a better team. Johnson helps the Blue Jackets get into the playoffs, but obviously, they'd like to give him the fresh start he desires if they can get the right deal.
MATT CALVERT
Like Johnson, Calvert is a UFA-to-be and faces an uncertain future with the Blue Jackets.
He's their longest-tenured player and a veteran now, a guy who's become a big part of the locker room. It would be a tough blow to trade him but the business side doesn't stop for a good story; if the Jackets don't have plans to re-sign him (and to this point, there have been no reported talks) they may have to deal him or risk losing him for nothing, if even they're in the playoff mix.
These three players, all with significant ties to the organization, were important to a franchise-best season a year ago. Could all three of them have new homes before the 2018-19 campaign begins? It's definitely possible.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Seth Jones said he's frustrated by a pair of close losses in the last few days, but the way the Jackets are playing has him thinking they're going in the direction.
- Why did the Blue Jackets keep the Dubinsky, Jenner and Anderson line together? There are a few reasons.
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