Blue Jackets Rumors: Adam Boqvist Being Showcased For Potential Trade

With Damon Severson injured for the time being, that meant that one of Adam Boqvist or Andrew Peeke would draw into the lineup. The Columbus Blue Jackets seemed to have chosen Boqvist and stuck him right in on the top pairing.

Amidst trade rumors surrounding the Blue Jackets and their defenders, it seems like the Blue Jackets are showcasing Boqvist in order to raise his value a bit. He was a healthy scratch at the beginning of the season and David Jiricek seemed to have passed him on the depth chart. Columbus just doesn't have room for all the NHL quality defensemen they have, so it makes sense that Boqvist would be played higher in the lineup with a spot available.

Of Boqvist and Peeke, Boqvist is the younger defenseman and has better underlying numbers. He is much more offensive, but can still learn a defensive game. Offense isn't as easily taught as strong defense can be. There have been a lot of scouts following the Blue Jackets around as they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and don't look like they will be pulling themselves out of this hole. While teams are desperate, it may be the best time for the Blue Jackets to deal Boqvist before he's potentially taken out of the lineup again and his value drops.