Blue Jackets Rumors: Columbus Will "Be Worth Watching" At This Year's Trade Deadline

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets will "be worth watching" as the March 7, 2025, trade deadline approaches, with several veterans on expiring contracts potentially in play. 

Players such as Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Mathieu Olivier, James van Riemsdyk, Ivan Provorov, and Jack Johnson could be on the move if younger talents challenge for ice time or if the team falls short of playoff contention. 

While not all these veterans are guaranteed to be traded, Portzline notes that a shake-up could be on the horizon, particularly if the Blue Jackets look to infuse more youth into their lineup.

Adam Fantilli's first career NHL goal has meaning. Breaks a 3-3 tie late in 3rd. And he acts like he's been there before. pic.twitter.com/JMOIfEqA19

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 22, 2023

The Blue Jackets have struggled to stay competitive in recent seasons, often falling out of contention by November. 

However, Portzline suggests that this year could be different. He predicts that Columbus won't finish at the bottom of the standings as many expect and that they'll be "within sniffing distance" of a wild-card spot when they host the Detroit Red Wings for the NHL Stadium Series in early March. 

If the team is still in the playoff hunt, GM Don Waddell may opt to keep key veterans for a postseason push, but if the Jackets fall behind, they could look to make strategic moves.

This goal from Kirill Marchenko is just disrespectful 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/nr9ZBjRTVs

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 5, 2024

A key factor will be the development of younger players like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Kent Johnson, who are poised to take on larger roles. 

As Portzline notes, "Some veterans will be on the move, especially if the younger players push them for playing time, as the organization hopes."

Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images