Jackets Trade!
One move today. It was what I would consider a lateral move. Milano for Shore. Both are RFAs in the off season. Milano plays on wing and Shore is listed as a center. The move for Columbus provides depth at a position that needs it, without losing much scoring. This could also be termed a change of scenery for both players which could provide opportunity and success for both. Kind of what I expected today.
Lunch Time Update
Names that were rumored to move that have, include Kovalchuk (WSH), Mike Green (EDM), Pageau (NYI) and Simmonds (BUF). Kreider is off the board, re-signing (NYR). Several not previously on the radar have gone, Marleau (PIT), Trocheck (CAR) and Haula (FLA).
Now the BIG rumor that got missed by everyone is Parise to NYI. I realize it hasn't been reported by TSN.com or the NHL but that would be big news, if Ek is accurate and if the big guys haven't reported it I'm not calling it "DONE". Zach has 5 years at $7.5M left on his contract, so there's term. Wondering what may go back in the other direction.
If true (big IF), are the Islanders this year's "All-IN" team? Did Jarmo start a trend last year and we will continue to see in years to come? I hope so, it may not always work out but it is fun to watch.
Update 11:45 am
Kreider is now off the board as it has been reported that he re-signed with NYR for 7 years at $6.5M per year. Scoring is disappearing and it becomes clear that Columbus is not likely to make any deals today...which is okay.
Update 10 am
NYI paid for a scoring boost in Pageau. This is a skater that could have had an impact in the Union Blue, but I'm sure Jarmo didn't want to go "All-IN" for a second season in a row.
The Sens got a 2020 Conditional 1st, 2020 (lottery protected), 2nd and 2022 3rd round picks (only transfers if NYI wins the Cup this year). That price is steep, especially considering he may end up a rental (UFA at end of season).
Still wondering if Jackets make any moves. Currently they have a 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th round pick in the 2020 draft. May be worth trying to acquire some more picks in this draft.
In contrast the Sens have three 1st round picks (NYI, OTT & SJS), four 2nd round picks (CBJ, NYI, OTT & DAL), three 3rd round picks (CBJ, WPG & OTT), their 4th, a 5th (TBL), two 6th round picks (STL & SJS) and their 7th round pick. That is 15 picks in this draft, WOW!
Original Post Start
I will be updating this periodically today, putting the most recent "news" at the top so you don't have to scroll down...check back frequently today.
Here is the trouble. Even though the Jackets are in the midst of a serious losing streak, they have managed enough "loser points" recently to stay in the playoff hunt. The current standings have them tied in points and ROW with CAR, but CAR has games in hand. NYI have 76 points and PHI has 77 points (3rd in the Metro) compared with the CBJ 74 points. Korpi has been re-activated and others may be coming back from injury in the next week or two.
This weeks schedule is also very favorable with the Sens in town tonight and then a Tuesday-Friday home-and-home match up with MIN. All games that could break the losing streak.
Today however, isn't about anything but the trade deadline. We can think about playoffs, next season, tanking for a better draft pick...after today's fireworks. For Jacket's fans, there may not be much in the way of fireworks today, especially not on the scale of last year's trade deadline. I totally expect them to stand pat and watch as others overpay for rentals (as the CBJ did last season) and continue with the squad they have.
But what if...
Gavrikov, Jenner, Milano or Anderson could net you a 1st round draft pick? I'm not saying this will happen (almost 100% will not) but, what if?
And let's face it, a first round pick is just a lottery ticket.
Gavrikov is an RFA with first pairing potential.
Jenner is a leader and does the intangible things on the ice with 2 additional years on his contract ($3.75M per).
Milano's ceiling is top-six forward and is an RFA making less than $1M.
Anderson has a ton of talent, RFA and currently makes $1.85M.
Wennberg or Murray could be moved?
Most CBJ fans would love to see this, no matter what the return was. However, both are injured and really would just fetch a box of cracker jacks or half a stadium beer.
Korpisalo or Merzlikins could return a scorer?
I know what CBJ nation is thinking...we need both of these guys. Coming into the season both had potential, but the goalie position was seen as the CBJ's Achilles heel. Now it is a position of strength. Why not try to move one of them for a scorer with some term on a contract? Not sure this would work, but is a possibility.
Good Luck and Go Jackets!
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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