The Columbus Blue Jackets are stirring up trade rumors, and it's not just any player causing the buzz! Insider Pierre LeBrun reveals that center Charlie Coyle is the one to watch. With the trade deadline looming on March 6, the Jackets' recent winning streak has them teetering between being buyers or sellers.
After a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, the Blue Jackets have won seven of their last eight games under new head coach Rick Bowness. This surge has them dreaming of a playoff spot, currently eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the second Wild Card position, with two games in hand. But it's a crowded race, as five other teams are tied with Columbus at 57 points.
And here's where it gets intriguing: if the Jackets stumble in the next nine games, they might consider trading some of their pending UFAs. But it's Coyle, a 33-year-old center, who's attracting the most interest. LeBrun notes that Coyle's situation reveals a scarcity of centers on the trade market, with many teams eager to know Columbus' plans.
Coyle, in the final year of a six-year, $31.5 million contract with a $5.25 million cap hit, is an appealing asset. His solid production (12 goals, 35 points in 52 games) and two-way play make him a valuable middle-six center, a position many teams desperately need to fill.
While Coyle might not be as elite as Vincent Trocheck, Nazem Kadri, or Robert Thomas, he's the next best option. The Blue Jackets could fetch a significant return, especially if bigger names are off the market by the time they decide their strategy.
So, will the Blue Jackets be buyers or sellers? That's the million-dollar question. And it's one that has the NHL world eagerly awaiting Columbus' decision. But for now, the team remains silent, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate.
What do you think? Is Coyle the key to the Blue Jackets' trade strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
