3 Columbus Blue Jackets trade candidates heading into 2025

The Columbus Blue Jackets are playing better hockey of late, and GM Don Waddell is hopeful his team can squeak into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Blue Jackets enter Saturday's action with a 15-15-6 record, and are 4-3-3 in their last ten, winning their last two contests. While they've essentially been open for business this entire season on the trade market, here's a few Blue Jackets to keep an eye on as trade chatter continues in Columbus:

Ivan Provorov

The 27-year-old blueliner has been linked to several trade destinations of late, as he's a prime trade candidate considering he's a pending unrestricted free agent. Provorov does not hold any trade protection, and is on the Blue Jackets' books for $4.75 million this season. In 36 games, the mobile blueliner has scored three times, and registered 14 points. Recently, Provorov was linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche, so we'll see where talks take the Blue Jackets.

Jack Johnson

Depending on if the Blue Jackets stay in the playoff hunt, Johnson could be moved for a late draft pick ahead of the trade deadline. The stay-at-home veteran has just two assists in 22 games and hasn't been able to find consistent playing time in Columbus. Johnson is owed $775,000 against the cap this season.

Kevin Labanc

Labanc turned a PTO with the New Jersey Devils into a one-year deal in Columbus, and so far, has two goals and 12 points in 27 games. He's shown in the past he's capable of finding the back of the net, however Labanc's attention to details on the defensive side of the puck are a big concern. He's signed for $775,000 this season and if the Blue Jackets aren't in the hunt, look for Waddell to try and acquire some draft capital by moving Labanc.