It's been well documented that the Columbus Blue Jackets would like to add to their defense this summer and the name of one potential target has surfaced.
That target is Chicago Blackhawks blue liner David Rundblad.
If #Blackhawks decide RFA D David Rundblad must go, I believe #CBJ would be interested. Very interested.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 18, 2015Rundblad is a young defenseman that hasn't reached his potential and he could very well be the odd man out in Chicago. He played in less than 50 regular season games and dressed in just five playoff games.
With the Blackhawks rumored to be a finalist for Mike Reilly's services it's quite possible that Rundblad will be available this summer.
Enter the Blue Jackets.
Beyond being a young NHL defenseman with untapped potential he makes a lot of sense for the team.
Why?
The St. Louis Blues drafted Rundblad 17th overall in 2009. Jarmo Kekalainen was a scout for the Blues at the time while John Davidson was the President of Hockey Ops.
Rundblad was traded to the Senators for the pick that became Vladimir Tarasenko but Kekalainen and Davidson have a history with Rundblad and are undoubtedly familiar with what he is and isn't capable of.
Rundblad didn't light the league on fire - he had 14 points in 49 games - but he was excellent in terms of possession. He led all Blackhawks blue liners with a 57CF% during 5 vs 5 play, meaning Chicago generated 57 of every 100 shot attempts while Rundblad was on the ice. He was sheltered with a good chunk of offensive zone starts but the numbers remain impressive.
It's entirely possible Chicago holds onto Rundblad - I would too - but it's not hard to see why Columbus would have interest if he becomes available.
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