Around mid-day on September 17th, insider Chris Johnston highlighted the idea that the Columbus Blue Jackets are not done acquiring forwards before the start of camp. Earlier this week, Columbus signed free agent James Van Riemsdyk to a one-year deal worth 900k. In the course of this article, I will be discussing the possibilities that Columbus has to make via trade or free agency.
Nick Robertson
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs resigned the restricted free agent recently, insiders such as Chris Johnston still believe it is more likely than not that Nick Robertson will be traded before the start of camp. I highly doubt Columbus has not inquired on the forward to see what Toronto's management intends to do with the 22-year-old California native. Nick has not seen the success that everyone hoped he would in Toronto, so it is likely time to move on for him. This dynamic forward would fit great in Columbus as they are a relatively young and upcoming team. The 22-year-old forward had 14 goals and 27 total points in just 56 games, with the club last year playing majorly in the bottom six. The high upside of Robertson makes me think Columbus will pursue him heavily after he requested to leave Toronto after last season's disappointing finish.
Arthur Kaliyev
After being drafted early in the second round of the 2019 entry draft, Kaliyev looked very promising however, he has not panned out the way the Kings had hoped for. The 23-year-old Uzbekistan native stands at 6"2 210 pounds. In 188 games with the Los Angeles Kings, Kaliev totalled 35 goals and 71 total points. The gritty young player would fit the middle six role in Columbus quite well due to the amount of opportunity he would be given in a young rebuilding team.
(Photo Credit: Glenn James, Getty Images)
Phil Kessel
Although Chris Johnston stated that Columbus would be trading for a forward, I believe that Phil Kessel could also end up on the Blue Jackets. With the team being very young, I highly doubt Columbus management would want some sort of a veteran presence to mentor the younger players. The 36-year-old Wisconsin native recorded 14 goals and 36 total points in 82 games with the Vegas Golden Knights back in the 2022-2023 season but has not been given a shot in the National Hockey League since, and this would be the perfect opportunity for the grizzled veteran to mentor the younger players of Columbus.
Summary
Whether it be through trading for Nick Robertson, inquiring on RFA Arthur Kaliyev or signing veteran Phil Kessel, all three of these moves would make sense for the Columbus Blue Jackets to make before the start of the season and are something to keep your eyes peeled on.
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