NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets Winger Becoming Trade Candidate

The Columbus Blue Jackets are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, sporting a 3-7-0 record. This is certainly NOT what they expected after they spent a ton of money on Johnny Gaudreau this offseason, but alas, it is where they are. If they do not turn things around quickly, they will be sellers at the deadline, and Gustav Nyquist will be a prime rental candidate.

Nyquist is entering the final season of his contract where he carries a $5.5 million cap hit. In 10 games on the year thus far, he has struggled a little, as he has two goals and two assists. Yet, he certainly has the potential to heat up again when noting that he just had 18 goals and 53 points in 82 games last season. Therefore, we should see a market form for his services.

When at his best, Nyquist is a quality middle-six winger and everything that a contender would love to have on their roster. If Columbus is willing to retain just a tad of his salary, that will only open more doors for a potential trade. Let's see what happens from here.