The Columbus Blue Jackets have found their new head coach in Mike Babecock, now their focus is on building a team that will contend for a playoff spot next year.
The Blue Jackets have two first round picks in this years 2023 NHL entry draft. Columbus has the 3rd overall and 22nd overall draft pick from the LA Kings.
Columbus offering 2023 1st round pick for defenseman
Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff reports the extra draft pick the Columbus Blue Jackets have from the trade of Vladislav Gavrikov to LA is available.
Seravalli went on to say in his piece that GM Jarmo Kekäläinen is in search of blue line help for next season and they will give up a first round pick for a defenseman.
Seravalli does not mention what defenseman the Blue Jackets will target but they want to be a playoff team next season.
What are Blue Jackets fans saying about the team offering up a 1st round draft pick in a trade
sure, hire a coach that the players will hate and trade away a 1st rounder in a stacked draft. Don’t like this trade rumor.
The Blue Jackets want to be a serious contender this year. Have to trade young assets or draft picks to get players if you want to be a playoff team.
If they trade their 22nd overall pick, the return better be a top four right-shot defenseman.
