The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season, currently sitting in a Wild Card spot with a record of 23-19-7. At the start of the season, most analysts predicted the Blue Jackets would be among the league’s bottom teams, setting themselves up as sellers at the NHL trade deadline. However, as the playoff race heats up, Columbus has shifted from a presumed seller to a team intent on keeping their roster intact for a postseason push.
Ivan Provorov Remains a Key Piece
One player that has been the subject of much trade speculation is defenseman Ivan Provorov. The 26-year-old is a talented player and has been a key part of the Blue Jackets’ defense for the past few seasons. However, he is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible to become a free agent this summer.
Many teams have expressed interest in acquiring Provorov, but it is looking like he will stay in Columbus. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the Blue Jackets have little interest in moving their UFA-eligible players for mid-round draft picks at the trade deadline. Their focus is on making the playoffs.
Instead, GM Don Waddell appears committed to chasing a playoff berth. The organization’s focus is not on selling assets but on keeping a competitive roster intact to secure a postseason spot. This marks a shift in philosophy for the Blue Jackets, who have struggled with consistency in recent years.
Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Are Staying the Course
The decision to avoid selling at the trade deadline reflects Columbus’s desire to give fans something to rally around. After enduring a challenging period, the Blue Jackets are finally showing promise. The leadership core, including Sean Monahan and Zach Werenski, is thriving, while the emergence of young stars like Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli has invigorated the team.
Unless the Blue Jackets experience a significant drop in the standings before the trade deadline, Waddell will prioritize a playoff push over acquiring future assets. For a team that’s been through adversity, staying in the playoff race provides much-needed hope for players and fans alike.
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