NHL Rumors: 3 Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Candidates

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made huge strides this summer, shocking the NHL by signing Johnny Gaudreau and getting some internal business done with the Patrik Laine contract extension. The Blue Jackets now sit over the salary cap but appear to have some moves ahead of them to work out their finances. Let's examine three candidates who Columbus may move this summer:

Andrew Peeke

The 24-year-old defenseman appeared in all 82 games last season in Columbus and enjoyed his best year to date, collecting 15 points. He's known for his physicality as the 6-foot-3 blueliner brings the pain each and every night and is never afraid to muck it up in the dirty areas of the ice. The University of Notre Dame product is signed for next season and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent next summer.

Daniil Tarasov

With Joonas Korpisalo surprisingly re-signing in Columbus, it's certainly sparked some interest in third-stringer Daniil Tarasov. The 23-year-old netminder is a former third-round pick of the Blue Jackets who in limited action last season in the NHL, impressed immensely. He recorded a 2.40 GAA and .937 Sv.% in four games last season for the Blue Jackets and threw himself onto the radar of several teams across the league.

Liam Foudy

After jumping into the Stanley Cup Playoffs a few seasons ago, Liam Foudy has found himself leap frogged by other Blue Jackets prospects on the team's depth chart. The former 2018 first rounder only appeared in one NHL game last season and recorded 19 points in 29 AHL games. With the likes of Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson quickly making a name for themselves, the Blue Jackets may swap Foudy for some more help on their blue line. Keep an eye on Columbus as they are far from done before opening night next season.