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In this edition we share our thoughts on the blockbuster trade that sent Ryan Johansen to Nashville in exchange for Seth Jones.
Todd Cordell
I think both are excellent players and that Columbus did well given the circumstances (the writing was on the wall Ryan Johansen didn't fit into their long-term plans) but I like this deal a little more from Nashville's perspective.
They have been after a No. 1 center for a long, long time and in terms of goal scoring and point production Johansen is certainly that. At just 23 years of age there is room for growth, too.
Nashville's defense is still excellent with Jones out of the picture and now they have a much needed top center.
On the other side of the deal the Jackets acquired a much needed defenseman but now have a hole down the middle as a result.
So, one team went from excellent in one area, poor in another and is now strong in both while another plugged a hole and created another in the process. For that reason I'll say Nashville won the trade.
James Tanner
I think that the Blue Jackets crush this trade by about 100 miles. They get the player every single team needs: a top pairing defensemen.
Ryan Johansen is a very good player, he's got size and a lot of potential. He's probably eventually a legit #1 C, but this is a player with less five vs five points in more career games than Nazem Kadri (who plays a better two-way game).
So, Columbus wins.
Jason Lewis
I'm going to be boring here and say it was a great deal for both teams.
Columbus desperately needed a franchise Dman for the future. Nashville desperately needed a 1C for their current team. Nashville is a team that needs the talent now, Columbus can afford to wait perhaps another year.
Nashville has a loaded back end, and they traded from a position of strength to gain in a position of weakness. I think both deals will work out well for each team in due time. Good hockey trade.
Ed Stein
Nashville wins this one.
A defense pairing of Murray and Jones could be potentially spectacular.
I lived in Nashville for seven years and watched the team struggle to score goals on many occasions. The franchise has never really had a top line center. Rarely have they possessed an offensive star that other teams need to account for. Johansen can really light that town on fire if he scores some big goals. A coach like Laviolette is perfect for him to showcase his talents. Additionally, the Preds have some talented defensemen who could thrive with expanded roles due to Jones' departure.
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