The ongoing chatter around the NHL has also led to a couple of interesting Columbus Blue Jackets rumors. The Jackets were a bit of an afterthought a few weeks ago. But the coaching change has spurred the club back into a groove.
The club is not quite in a position to go all-in on a major player, but could be adding at the deadline. Depending on how it goes from here until the Olympic break, the Blue Jackets may bring in a piece or two.
But there’s always the chance that Columbus sells at the deadline. That could be the case if the team doesn’t make significant headway leading up to March 6. In that case, Blue Jackets rumors could quickly turn to the team moving out pieces.
One interesting bit of talk is a Columbus forward drawing significant interest around the league. According to Marco D’Amico of RG Media, an anonymous source believes that Dmitri Voronkov could be in the sights of various teams out there.
The source told D’Amico that the Jackets are misusing Voronkov at this point. That situation has fueled Blue Jackets rumors around the league, with the source adding:
“Voronkov is a name I’ve heard a few times being of interest. Columbus had the opportunity to lock him up and went the bridge route. Now he’s playing on the fourth line despite trending for 25-plus goals. Something’s got to give.”
If the Blue Jackets are willing to move Voronkov, it wouldn’t be at a discount price. A hockey trade could be the path forward.
Voronkov Not Only Player in Blue Jackets Rumors
Voronkov isn’t the only Blue Jackets player getting attention from around the league. Ongoing chatter suggests that captain Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Denton Heinen, Mason Marchment, and Erik Gudbranson are equally getting looks.
In particular, Marchment, despite being recently acquired, has been part of Blue Jackets rumors. While Columbus could be looking to extend him, there seems to be talk purporting that other teams may be willing to work something out if Columbus wants to.
Jenner has been another name getting plenty of attention. The veteran winger landed on The Athletic’s trade board. Like Marchment, the Blue Jackets would rather not trade him. But if it came to it, the club could be willing to explore alternatives.
Teams Waiting on Coyle
Lastly, one of the biggest Blue Jackets rumors pertains to Coyle. Specifically, several teams desperately seeking help down the middle are waiting on Columbus to decide on his fate.
Like the other players mentioned, the Jackets aren’t really keen on trading Coyle. But the center market is razor-thin, leading teams to call on Don Waddell regarding Coyle’s availability.
The 33-year-old has had a good season. He recently played his 1,000th NHL game. He’s racked up 12 goals and 35 points in 52 games. He’s already matched his totals from last season. As such, the Jackets may be willing to recoup some value for Coyle if they want to. He’s in the final year of his current contract. Coyle’s $5.25 million cap hit would be closer to $2 million by the deadline.
That situation would make Coyle one of the most attractive names in this list of Blue Jackets rumors.
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