Zak MacMillan

"CBJ"

Harrisburg, PA • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

CBJ- Who Could Go?

With the trade deadline coming up, this blog will look at which Blue Jackets could be moved, and what asking price might be. The order will go as I do with the lineups- forwards first, defensemen second, and goaltenders last.

Offense

Scott Hartnell (LW)
It seems like the reason current Flyers general manager Ron Hextall traded him here is the reason why the Blue Jackets may be looking to move him now- contract. Flyers President Paul Holmgren, when he was general manger, signed Hartnell to a long term, multimillion dollar contract. He was moved to Columbus for a expensive player with less term in RJ Umberger and a fourth round pick. The difference between the two is production. RJ Umberger recently broke a 380 day goal scoring streak. That's over one year since he scored a goal. It's a $4 million dollar goal. In Columbus, Scott Hartnell is closing in on yet another 20 goal campaign, and is near the top of the point scoring department.

There have been several teams interested in Hartnell, including Boston, Florida, and Minnesota. St. Louis is scouting him really hard. Nashville has been offering Colin Wilson for him. The asking price I heard was a draft pick and a prospect, and that seems fair to me.

Gregory Campbell (C/LW)
It just seems that Soupy has not worked out in Columbus. It is unfortunate to see a versatile player like Campbell to be on the outskirts of this club. He was brought into Columbus to replace Mark Letestu (EDM), and has not been put in a place that is giving him less opportunity. His natural center role has been knocked out, and he has been playing the wing. I do not know who is interested in him, but a team looking for a depth forward might be. Some teams that may make sense could be St. Louis, Nashville, Minnesota, or Montreal. In the trade market, he probably gets a 5th or 6th round pick.

Rene Borque (LW/RW)
Borque was a salary pickup with Anahiem last season in order to get James Wisniewski off their backs, and Borque's attempt of rejuvenation in Columbus has been anything but a success. His best years in recent memory were during the playoffs a couple years ago with the Montreal Canadiens.

Some teams interested in him could be Montreal, Minnesota, or St. Louis. If Columbus retains some salary, his value will definitely will go. As I look at it now, a 6th or 7th round pick may be obtained; however, if some salary is eaten, a 5th could be met with the right team.

LW Kerby Rychel (LW)
His name in the trade market really bugs me as he is an extremely talented player the Jackets could be moving. Rychel, his dad, and agent requested a trade from Columbus due to the evidence that he is really low on the team's depth charts. He is around a point every third game player for the Blue Jackets as a 20 year old rookie. Those are not bad numbers for a youngster. Kerby was a very successful player in the Ontario Hockey League, and got extremely close to the Memorial Cup.

His asking price has been a defensive prospect from what I have been hearing, but I feel like they make get a first round pick for him.

Cam Atkinson (RW)
Another player's name that is bugging me in the trade rumors list for Columbus- Massachusetts native Cameron Atkinson. Cam has proven this year to be a 20 goal scorer again, and that is huge in the modern era as there are less goals being scored.

Last year, rumors of him being moved were there two, but resigned a three year deal before almost being moved to Montreal for Lars Eller. Other teams that are interested in him, and from what I have been hearing include Boston, New York, and New Jersey. If I was looking to move him, I would be asking for pick and prospect combination, of either a 2nd round pick and a C level prospect or a 3rd rounder and a C-/D+ level guy.

Defense

Fedor Tyutin
The James Wisniewki this season for Columbus is Fedor Tyutin. The Jackets seem to no longer be interested in highly paid defensemen, and Tyutin is now on that list. He is the club's highest paid defenseman, and has been scratched multiple items by head coach John Tortorella.

There are plenty of teams eyeing defensemen, but some teams that have looked into him include Ottawa, Detroit, Minnesota, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Tyutin's value is a hard read read, but I would guess a pick and a prospect.

Jack Johnson
What a shocker. I'm so not a believer that he is being shopped, but I suppose I have to talk about. He is apparently out there as many analysts say the Jackets are looking to make their defensive group young. I had no idea that 28 is too old for an offensive defenseman.

I have heard his name connected to Pittsburgh in the past because of his connection with Sidney Crosby. Other teams that make sense include Boston, Tampa Bay, and Dallas. If I am moving him, a first round pick has to come back. No questions asked. A prospect should be there too, but it may be a B/B- type, which maybe okay depending on position.

Justin Falk
He is a pending UFA with loads of size (6' 5". Some teams that need defensemen may give him a look. His salary is low, and he is on a two-way contract. Some teams that may make sense include Chicago, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Dallas, and Boston.

What are your thoughts on the trade deadline? Who stays and who goes? What should Columbus be asking teams? More to come…