NHL Rumors: 2 Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Candidates

The Columbus Blue Jackets will need a massive hot streak to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season and appear to be setting themselves up on the outside looking in at the postseason. The team has been contacted recently about a few of their pending free agents and let's take a look at two Blue Jackets who are likely going to be traded before the March 21 deadline:

Max Domi

The pesky forward hasn't really worked out in Columbus since his arrival from the Montreal Canadiens for Josh Anderson. So far in 2021-22, Domi's managed to record nine goals and 31 points in 50 games. He's 27 years old now and holds a cap hit of $5.3 million this season. No word yet if the Blue Jackets are interested in retaining any salary but they may be smart to do so, driving up interest and creating a sweeter package in return. The likes of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche have been linked to Domi, who should know in a few days where he's headed. Doesn't sound like a contract extension is in the cards in Columbus.

Joonas Korpisalo

The Blue Jackets wanted a second and third-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season and the Oilers hung up the phone. There hasn't been a ton of trade talk since, but that could easily be ramped up as we creep closer to the trade deadline. With Elvis Merzlikins signed long-term, Korpisalo is expected to be dealt as the Blue Jackets try to cash in on some assets. They did so last season with Nick Foligno being moved and this time around it's the likes of Domi and the veteran netminder who could be moved. While the Oilers still have interest, so do the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and potentially the Minnesota Wild. Korpisalo is signed this season for $2.8 million and hits the open market next summer.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports