Despite possessing only a third and seventh-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Blue Jackets' general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is optimistic heading into one of the craziest weekends in the National Hockey League.
During pre-draft media availability, Kekalainen hit on topics including potential deals for players or picks, the core of the Blue Jackets moving forward, and more.
"I'm an optimistic guy. I feel that there's going to be opportunities for (acquiring) picks and (making) trades. We're going to keep all of our options open. If we have to go draft without a first-round pick, then we'll go without a first-round pick," Kekalainen shared with reporters Friday.
Kekalainen has made moves during the NHL Draft before — most notably, the trade on June 23, 2017 that saw the Blue Jackets acquire F Artemi Panarin, F Tyler Motte, and a 2017 6th-round pick in exchange for F Brandon Saad, G Anton Forsberg, and a 2018 5th-round pick. As evidenced by that move, Kekalainen is always looking for opportunities to make moves, and nothing is off the table.
If the Blue Jackets aren't able to make many moves this weekend (or this summer, for that matter), Kekalainen won't be too fazed. Despite the impending departure of anywhere between one and four unrestricted free agents, Kekalainen believes the foundation of success is still in place.
"I really believe in our core group, and that's going to be in place no matter what happens July 1. We're going to build accordingly around that."
"I really believe in our core group."– Jarmo Kekalainen
The NHL Draft begins tonight, Friday, June 21 with Round 1 at 8 p.m. E.T. on NBCSN and NHL Network. Rounds 2-7 will be broadcast tomorrow, Saturday, June 22 starting at 11 a.m. E.T.
