3 Players Blue Jackets Could Trade Next

The Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping to turn things around in short order as they will be healthier and have more competition for spots in the lineup and on the roster. That being said, they have too many players that they might actually stunt development of some or lose others to waivers. This means trades are coming, but the team looks exciting nonetheless. Let's take a look at who could be dealt next.

Jack Roslovic

Jack Roslovic started his tenure with the Blue Jackets off very well, but fell back into what is more expected of him the past two seasons. His goals dropped by 11 from 2021-22 to 2022-23, so that has concerned the team. More than that, he is being paid $4 million, but will likely be pushed to the third line with all the young talent the Blue Jackets are trying to get more playing time. He is not the top-six center of the future as the team has Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Cole Sillinger on the team. The 26-year-old is going into his final year under contract before becoming a UFA. If the Blue Jackets are going to trade him and get any value, it's going to be before the trade deadline.

Andrew Peeke

Even more than the forwards, there is a huge roster crunch on defense for the Blue Jackets. They brought in Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson, David Jiricek has had a taste of NHL action, and Zach Werenski is healthy. There are 15 defensemen in the organization that played in at least one NHL game last season, and Nic Meloche is the 16th on a PTO. When it comes to lineup spots, Andrew Peeke is solid and young, but right now and looking into the near future, there isn't any room for him on the right side. The team has Severson signed for eight years, Adam Boqvist is young and on the rise, and Erik Gudbranson has the third pairing spot locked down. After that, it won't be long until Jiricek has a full-time role in the NHL. Peeke will get the Blue Jackets a lot of value, and it is a move they have to make at this point.

Nick Blankenburg

Peeke isn't the only one that may be moved. Nick Blankenburg is even lower on the depth chart, but the thing that helps the Blue Jackets out here is the fact that he is still exempt from waivers. That won't be the case for long and Blankenburg is capable of playing in the NHL. He put up 14 points in 36 games last season. A team that lacks defensive depth and even room in the NHL might show interest here and the Blue Jackets should bite. As I noted, they have a lot of talent in the system and their team likely won't be ravaged with injuries again as it was last season.