According to David Pagnotta, the Columbus Blue Jackets have expressed interest in the Seattle Kraken’s pending UFA's. He also noted that multiple teams have thrown their names in the mix for the Kraken’s forwards.
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell has been rumored to be searching for a forward ahead of the deadline. Now that Seattle has officially positioned itself as a seller, Columbus can zero in on potential targets.
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Two names reportedly on the market are Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde. The Blue Jackets have shown interest in both, but Tanev appears to be the better fit.
Both players would be rentals, but Tanev aligns more naturally with Columbus’ needs. He can slot into the middle six and bring playoff-style intensity to the lineup. While Gourde is also a strong addition, his injury history this season and the fact that he would push someone out of the top six make him a less ideal target.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets currently occupy the first wild card spot in the East with a chance to catch the New Jersey Devils. They have 68 points, while the Devils have 72, but the Blue Jackets have two games in hand.
In a perfect scenario, if Waddell could land both, the Blue Jackets would significantly improve their forward depth. However, based on Waddell’s public comments and the expected asking price, Tanev seems like the more realistic and logical move for Columbus.
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