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Blue Jackets Looking To Add Top-6 Forward |
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With news that Nathan Horton is expected to miss the remainder of the season and may never play again, the Blue Jackets are in the market for a top-6 forward.
After their best season in franchise history during 2013-14 and a respectable 3-2-0 start to this year's campaign without the likes of Brandon Dubinsky, Boone Jenner, Ryan Murray and Horton, it makes sense to explore all options.
The Jackets are a team on the rise and have a young core, so if Jarmo Kekalainen truly believes they're ready to contend they may as well go for it, rather than wasting some of the best years Ryan Johansen, Cam Atkinson and co. will have.
While Kekalainen is making some calls, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch believes a trade likely won't come until later, with potential for it to be one of significance.
Via Portzline: Kekalainen has acknowledged making calls to several other general managers to test the waters about obtaining a replacement for Horton. Kekalainen is likely to be bolder as the season moves along, when some clubs have drifted out of playoff contention and are more amenable to trading top-flight players.
Off the top of my head, names like Christ Stewart of the Sabres and Damien Brunner of the Devils have been rumored to be available, but if Columbus is looking for a long-term solution it may make sense to target someone else.
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