by Dan Adkisson
It is hard to believe, but the 2023 NHL Trade deadline is quickly approaching. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in an interesting situation, especially for Ohio betting enthusiasts who have spent the majority of their time monitoring sports news and games.
Certainly, any move the Blue Jackets make will likely involve trading away some of their current players for a draft pick or prospects, and that is never an easy decision. As such, it’s up to GM Jarmo Kekalainen to determine who stays and who goes to strengthen the team.
Here are three key questions Blue Jackets need to answer before they hit the trade deadline:
1. What is the biggest trade the Blue Jackets need to make?
The Blue Jackets have already made a few trades this season, like several other teams around the league. Considering they could acquire a top-four defenseman and/or a bottom-six forward, that could certainly make for a good trade deadline day for the team.
Though their defensive core already has a fairly solid foundation, adding another stud to that lineup could do wonders in taking some pressure off of them come playoff time. Not to mention how the team needs more size and physicality up front to compete with the more formidable opponents ahead.
If Kekalainen can execute two or three deals he’s aiming for, including trading away star players, the Blue Jackets could likely be big winners at this trade deadline.
2. Who are the most likely players to be traded by the Blue Jackets?
As the NHL Trade deadline approaches, there is growing speculation for most sports betting fans, specifically Ohio betting fans, about which Blue Jackets players will be traded. To name a few, these players are defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, goalie Joonas Korpisalo, and forward Gustav Nyquist.
While there has been no indication that Gavrikov is actively being shopped around, there have been teams predicted as good fits if a deal were to happen. Nyquist was another option that is anticipated to generate a healthy return. However, his shoulder injury could potentially impact any trade value.
There have also been several recent trade rumors involving Korpisalo, which suggests that his name is being discussed in various circles around the NHL. Signed to a one-year contract worth just $1.3 million makes him an attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their goaltending depth without breaking the bank.
3. Should the Blue Jackets weigh their available trade options before acting?
So, should the Blue Jackets consider all their trade alternatives before deciding? Unquestionably, yes! With three players who are set to become unrestricted free agents in July, the Blue Jackets have several trade options.
Given this, they might try to trade one of their upcoming UFAs now for a more valuable asset that might benefit the team in the long run. Alternatively, they could wait and see how things play out and take a more measured approach when assessing their options.
Whatever decision they make is sure to be difficult, but if done right, it could go a long way toward solidifying their playoff chances.
The Future that Awaits Columbus Blue Jackets
Regardless of what path this team decides, it is clear that the future of the Blue Jackets is at stake. While the team remains confident in its core, making a move now can ensure its long-term success or keep its core of players intact and hope for the best. There’s no easy answer; only time will tell how the Blue Jackets will leverage their resources.