Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly willing to discuss trades involving "just about anybody."

In the summer of 2022, Johnny Gaudreau tested free agency in hopes of signing in his home state. Former Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher later slashed those dreams.

After Gaudreau signed elsewhere, the former Flyers' general manager said they were never in on Gaudreau and could never make room for the South Jersey native. "You'd have to move multiple contracts to be able to do that," Fletcher said. "You have to have a team [willing to be a trade partner] as well."

Ironically, Chuck Fletcher bought out Oskar Lindblom to make room for Justin Braun. Signing him to a one-year, $1,750,000 million deal, and Johnny Gaudreau agreed to a seven-year, $68.25-million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Johnny Gaudreau could not have made it any more obvious that he wanted to be a Flyer without actually saying it — which he later did on the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast. Also going on record to say, "I have a ton of family here, all my friends," the former Calgary Flame said. "All my good friends and kids who I have played with all my life are from South Jersey, so it would be sweet to play here someday." Gaudreau said during a 2017 interview with Philadelphia WIP radio.

It has been a year and a half since Columbus took Gaudreau off the market, and things have not been going as planned for both parties. The Blue Jackets are in a rebuilding/retooling state, causing performance and locker room issues. Dating back to the beginning of the season after Blue Jackets, former coach Mike Babcock resigned from the club following reports about privacy concerns with the team after he was hired on July 1.

Gaudreau's point production significantly declined following a career year in Calgary posting 115 points in 82 games. When considering the different play styles of both clubs and the change in motion, it was anticipated.

He filled more of a playmaking role, tucking 53 assists and 74 points and going from a +64 to a -33 in his first year as a Blue Jacket. This season got off to a slow start with 5 goals, 11 assists, and 16 points in 31 games. 

Now that the Blue Jackets' struggles are public knowledge, general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen, said they are willing to discuss trades involving "just about anybody," opening up doors for endless possibilities. Per TSN Trade Breaker, Bruce Garrioch.

Kent Johnson

Switching gears involving another Blue Jacket. 2021 five-overall pick Kent Johnson. Teams will come calling. Especially after presenting the idea of listening to potential offers on almost anyone.

Columbus will have to entertain the idea if they want to turn this sinking ship around quickly. Since joining the league, the 21-year-old has 19 goals, 33 assists, and 52 points in 103 games across 3 seasons. In his first full year, he recorded a promising 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 79 games.

Kent Johnson's entry-level contract is ending. He will look for a definite pay increase, something the Blue Jackets do not have the cap for. Sitting at $3,036,420 in projected cap with more than a handful of RFAs and UFAs on the horizon.

No matter what way you look at it, teams will be interested in coming to the Blue Jackets with offers and asking about certain players. That does not mean they will come bearing gifts this holiday season, but Danny Briere should be on the phone looking to make some Christmas miracles happen. In order to improve the power play and nudge the rebuild further in the right direction.

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