NHL Trade Rumors: Blue Jackets Looking To Trade For Forward

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly still in the market to add another forward ahead of the 2024-25 season, despite the recent signing of veteran winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year deal. 

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, GM Don Waddell is exploring various options, including professional tryout offers (PTOs), the waiver wire, and most notably, the trade market. 

With over $24 million in cap space, the Blue Jackets are in a strong position to make a move, particularly as teams look to shed salary ahead of the season.

#CBJ GM Don Waddell said trade talks are continuing, but doesn’t sound like anything is close. He wants to add a forward.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 18, 2024

Johnston noted that Waddell is willing to be patient in his search, emphasizing that a trade might be the best route to secure the player Columbus needs. 

“The sense is that the Blue Jackets are willing to be patient and may end up getting this forward by trade, versus the traditional route in just signing one,” Johnston said on Insider Trading. 

The Blue Jackets are particularly focused on younger forwards who could become available as cap-strapped teams make roster decisions.

One potential trade partner is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are dealing with a crowded forward group and salary cap constraints after signing players like Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz on PTOs. 

Forwards like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok have been mentioned as possible trade targets for Columbus.

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images