NHL Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets Trading Veteran Goaltender

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to receive trade calls and most of the asking is around goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The team is expected to make a deal before this season's trade deadline. 

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli released his top-15 trade targets for December and the Blue Jackets goalie was at the top of the list. While depth in the crease can go a long way, especially for what appears to be a playoff bound team in Columbus, the Blue Jackets may want to deal the pending free agent to cash in on their asset. With Elvis Merzlikins signed long term, the team is not expected to re-sign Korpisalo.

Here's what Seravalli had to say about the latest trade chatter in Columbus:

It’s the Elvis Merzlikins Show in Columbus, now and for the foreseeable future. Merzlikins has carried the Blue Jackets – and next year begins a fresh five-year, $27 million deal. Plus, the Blue Jackets have Daniil Tarasov eventually waiting in the wings. Korpisalo has not put in a formal trade request, but GM Jarmo Kekalainen is aware that Korpisalo would be open to an opportunity to play elsewhere. Teams have engaged with Columbus on Korpisalo as recently as the last couple weeks. He’s struggled these last two seasons – but made a believer of many with his play in the ‘bubble’ in 2019-20.

Teams who will surely be interested and some who have already contacted the Blue Jackets include the Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens.

So far in eight games this season the 27-year-old Finnish netminder has posted a goals against average of 3.95 and a save percentage of .885. The Blue Jackets may want to make a deal before his trade value goes down even more.

Photo credit:  Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports