CBJ Opinions

A compilation of relatively minor random thought processes. The Center Trade Market Ever since the season ended, it has been pretty much an open secret that the Jackets are looking to acquire a top 6 center to solidify the middle of the ice. Everyone from Kevin Hayes to Elias Lindholm to Ryan O’Reilly has been speculated as possible fits with the Jackets in different regards. However, it is incredibly fascinating to point out that there is actually not just one but two legitimate top 6 centers that are heavily rumored to be available via trade in Pierre-Luc Dubois and Mark Schiefele. Now obviously, anyone who even remotely follows the Jackets knows neither of these guys are non-starters given Dubois’ history with the Jackes and Schiefele’s rumored locker room conflict with current Jackets winger Patrik Laine. So aside from what was likely a cover all your bases type of phone call to each of their agents to ensure that neither of them are interested in being in Columbus, it is still so ...

With the Jackets having addressed their needs on defense by acquiring Provorov and then Severson, the attention now logically turns to the Jackets ever pressing issue to improve at center. Every name from Hayes to Lindholm has been floated as potential acquisitions for the Jackets and rightfully so. Yet the question now needs to be asked, with the 22nd overall pick, the prime trade chip the Jackets had in their pocket having been used to acquire a defenseman, what are now the potential pieces that they could use to land the center they so desperately want? Let’s look at some of the pieces that the Jackets could use in a potential trade.  Note: I am not speculating here on who the Jackets are looking to acquire. I am merely evaluating as many pieces as possible as to what the Jackets could possibly use in a potential trade. Obviously not every piece would be used, and it is entirely possible only one or two of the lower value pieces are used and not the bigger pieces. Roster Players...

  The speculation has ended, multiple sources confirmed that Mike Babcock will be the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and that the deal he will be signing will carry a term of 4 seasons. While Babcock does come with a winning pedigree, his hiring comes along with some questions into his history regarding his style coaching and how players feel about it. So, let’s look at the hire from as many angles as possible to try and dissect why Babock was ultimately the choice the Jackets ended up going with. If we’re being totally honest, this hire will make or break the current makeup of the Jackets front office in Kekalainen and Davidson. We are passing the 10-year mark of them at the helm and while the overall quality of the team has been raised drastically in contrast to the early years of the team, the reality is that by looking at the bigger picture, nothing much has been accomplished in comparison the repeatedly stated goal of winning a Stanley Cup. Babcock brings that ex...

  Going into the offseason, the Jackets are expected to be very busy reworking the roster. Players are returning from long term injuries, coming back from Europe and some of the younger guys are expected to push for a spot in camp as well. It is pretty much expected that some players will be traded off the roster to either make room or even possibly to upgrade the lineup therefore I decided to reach out to the community to see what kind of ideas for possible trades were out there. So, thank you everyone who responded and let’s get into these trade proposals. Proposal #1 NYI: Peeke + Roslovic (50% retained) + 22nd overall pick + ’25 1st round pick CBJ: Barzal + ’25 5th round pick Submitted by Brydan Rahrig @rahrity24 In this trade, Brydan suggests the Jackets go after Barzal in a drastic attempt to solve the everlasting number one center question. In theory, a dominant playmaker who can control the play at an elite level while possessing the puck would make perfect sense for the Jac...