NHLTR Mock Trade: Minnesota Wild Joel Eriksson-Ek to the Columbus Blue Jackets
For our next mock trade, we look at the Columbus Blue Jackets and what they're thinking with the third-overall selection. While adding a player like Leo Carlsson could be the move, and likely is, if the pick is in play, the Blue Jackets will be in the market for a center who can step into their lineup and produce in between Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau. Insert, the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota Wild trade Joel Eriksson-Ek and the 21st overall pick at the 2023 draft to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 3rd overall selection
Wild Perspective: Wild GM Bill Guerin is going to have to consider moving some money around because the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter cost the team $14.7 million the next two seasons. While Eriksson-Ek has a great contract at $5.25 million through the 2028-29 season, he holds a tremendous amount of trade value (61 points in 78 games) and would fetch a can't miss blue chip prospect in the draft. With Sam Steel, Ryan Hartman and Frederik Gaudreau, and then adding a player at #3, the Wild would be in good hands and be saving well over $4 million per season.
Blue Jackets Perspective: Columbus lands themselves a #1 center and someone who steps in and fills a massive void immediately. JEE has gotten better every season he's played and has 80-90 point potential. His contract alone is a huge asset and while there's always a huge risk moving a high first-round pick, when you can land a proven talent who is going to help your hockey club immediately, it's hard to pass up.
photo credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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