3 Columbus Blue Jackets 2023 Trade Candidates

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be tanking for Connor Bedard as they find themselves near the bottom of the NHL standings. With a generational talent available at the top of the 2023 NHL draft, Blue Jackets fans need to be patient for one more season before things could get really interesting if they end up winning the draft lottery. Here's a few Blue Jackets who are likely on their way out before the March 3 trade deadline:

Gustav Nyquist

If it was up to Nyquist, he'd likely ask to stay, however management may have other ideas before the deadline. The 33-year-old winger loves the area and this could be a case where the player gets dealt then re-signs with his old club. Nyquist has 18 points in 36 games this season and could provide some secondary scoring depth to a playoff-bound team. At $5.5 million against the cap, the Blue Jackets may be best suited to retain some salary and get a team to sweeten the pot.

Vladislav Gavrikov

One of the most coveted defensemen on the trade market, there's been heavy interest in Gavrikov and there's little doubt the Blue Jackets are going to cash in on their trade asset. Gavrikov is 27, making a reasonable $2.8 million against the cap and at 6-foot-3 could help provide some more size and to a contending team's defense core. He's also managed to chip in with nine points in 36 games, however is best suited blocking shots and killing penalties.

Joonas Korpisalo

There's a number of teams in the market for goaltending depth and Korpisalo is one of the many candidates available. The team is hopeful they have something in youngster Danill Tarasov and will give him some more minutes down the stretch. Korpisalo and his $1.3 million cap hit are appealing and the likes of the Pittsburgh Penguins and LA Kings likely have interest.