A few sources who have been following the situation in Columbus note that a trade that would see defenseman Seth Jones be traded prior to the NHL Draft tonight say a deal might be close. Elliotte Friedman noted that the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets went back to the table one more time to see if deal could get done and Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers notes, “Do not be surprised if #CBJ lands a fourth, yes, a fourth first rounder tonight. This depends on a potential Seth Jones deal.”
The Blue Jackets own the No. 5, 25, and 32 picks in this year’s draft and they are looking at adding another first-rounder in a Jones deal. Not only that, but the Blue Jackets could be one of the busier NHL’s clubs this weekend making trades and shuffling things around. They are desperate for help at center and will obviously have a lot of roster changes coming. It is likely they trade a goaltender, most insiders expecting that goaltender to be Joonas Korpisalo instead of Elvis Merzlikins.
Talks with Chicago have intensified as Jones is a primary target for that team, especially in the wake of a Duncan Keith trade to Edmonton. The question most have been asking is what’s the cost and will Jones sign long term once acquired. The last thing the Blackhawks–or any team, for that matter– want to do is give up a ton of assets only to see the player leave next season.
What is the Return from Chicago?
Friedman writes, “During the first attempt, the Blue Jackets discussed Kirby Dach or Alex DeBrincat as the centrepiece, but it wasn’t something the Blackhawks wished to do.” Has that changed? Or, are the Blue Jackets more eager to move Jones with the draft a few hours away?
There’s not an absolute need to move Jones today. He could be traded before the NHL trade deadline to a team that is competing and would rather acquire him as a rental.
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