The Columbus Blue Jackets and defenseman Seth Jones continue to dominate the rumor mill across the hockey world when it comes to trade speculation.
The defender was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft for the Nashville Predators, only trailing Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Aleksander Barkov (Florida), and Jonathan Drouin (Montreal, formerly of Tampa). Jones was dealt in a blockbuster move out of the Music City in exchange for center Ryan Johansen, the fourth overall pick from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Jones is in the final year of his current contract with a cap hit $5.4M dollars. If Columbus retains up to maximum allowable under the current collective bargaining agreement, that number cuts in half to $2.7M.
He has put up 223 points in 381 games played as a Blue Jacket.
His availability has been publicly known since the middle of the second round of the playoffs, when he took time to reevaluate his standing with the club, and the direction in which they are looking to move. As it stands, it’s not the same as what Jones is looking for, and has publicly addressed his desire to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent in 2022. To get value back for the rental, teams have called Columbus about Jones, with Chicago and Colorado being the two leaders in discussions.
Chicago has been a more recent revelation after the recent acquisition of brother Caleb Jones from Edmonton with a third round pick for defender and potential Hall of Famer Duncan Keith.
Colorado is where Seth Jones started his career of hockey at the age of 8, and also where he met then player, now general manager and Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. The Avalanche have a lot of appealing and young contracts that may make a trade work for both sides. Here are some options that may work for Columbus, Seth Jones, and Colorado.
LD Bowen Byram
Speaking of fourth overall draft selections in the draft, the gift of the decade in an NHL trade was given in his position to the Avalanche courtesy of former Blue Jacket Matt Duchene. Byram played his first games as a pro this season, and earned two points in 19 games this season.
C Tyson Jost
Another first one draft pick in the riches of Denver. He is a young center stuck behind MacKinnon, and will not be a number one center as long as he is with the Avalanche. He has the best chance to win, but not the best chance to succeed. In Columbus, he could blossom or compete with Roslovic for the number one center.
RW Martin Kaut
A winger with youth could benefit Columbus long term, given the potential loss of either Gustav Nyqvist or Max Domi or Eric Robinson to Seattle.
C Nazem Kadri
The after mentioned gritty center could be the full time number one center in Columbus, with grit and goal scoring to help push the identity of the Blue Jackets. Naz has always been a tough player in games, and plays the line tough due to his antics.
LD Samuel Girard
The young stud also came from Nashville, but his potential is in limbo with Byram, Devon Toews; and Ian Cole all being there now in recent seasons. His contract is the best for the most term and room for growth in a trade for Columbus. His offensive prowl will have him be behind Werenski, but also a power play defender.
LD Ryan Graves
The gritty defender could be exposed to Seattle, but his strength and size is a value to any team that can grab him. The Metro needs a player like this on defense, and Columbus could benefit from this.
RD Connor Timmins
To replace Jones on the right hand side, Timmins would be an ideal replacement for the top pair with Werenski. Timmins was a second round pick a few years ago, and is stuck behind Cale Makar and Erik Johnson in the depth charts.
2021 1st round Pick
Columbus could add a fourth first round draft pick in 2021, given they know the position in the draft. Jones’ value can definitely match a first rounder, given he was one too. A prospect would also give Columbus most control of a player.
2022 1st Round Pick
A second first round pick in 2022 will replace the loss of 2022 draft picks already dealt in previous trades, and this draft will be better in the top 32 than the 2021 draft.
What are your thoughts on a potential Columbus Blue Jackets trades for Seth Jones?
More to come...
For Fun:
If you read all the way, comment “Popeyes” for the father and the Cajun chicken
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»