Could the Blue Jackets end up trading these two forwards?
Two Columbus Blue Jackets forwards are continuing to be viewed as trade candidates as the summer rolls on.
In his most recent trade board for Bleacher Report, Lyle Richardson included Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson.
Marchenko landed the No. 2 spot on Richardson's trade board. Given the trade rumors surrounding the Blue Jackets' star winger, it is not too surprising to see him being included. Questions about his long-term future with the Blue Jackets have come up often this summer, and he undoubtedly would have the potential to get Columbus a major return in a move.
Yet, with the Blue Jackets looking to be a playoff team next year, it would not be surprising in the slightest if they keep Marchenko around. He is a huge part of their forward group, as evidenced by his 27 goals, 40 assists, and 67 points in 76 games last season.
Johnson, on the other hand, picked up the No. 12 spot on Richardon's trade board. Like Marchenko, Johnson has been discussed often as a trade candidate this summer. The 2021 fifth-overall pick struggled last season with the Blue Jackets, posting seven goals and 22 points in 76 games.
Yet, when noting that Johnson had 24 goals and 57 points in 68 games just back in 2024-25, it would be understandable if the Blue Jackets gave him another chance next season. He is still only 23 years old, and trading him could backfire big time if he bounced back.
