The Columbus Blue Jackets have been making waves this season with some strategic moves that have fans buzzing. Earlier in the season, they made a bold trade for winger Mason Marchment, a pending unrestricted free agent, and brought in Rick Bowness as the new head coach.
The results? Pretty impressive.
Marchment has already netted nine goals and four assists in just 14 games, and under Bowness, the Blue Jackets have clinched victory in 10 of their last 11 games, edging closer to a playoff spot.
But if you’re expecting more blockbuster trades from Columbus before the March 6th trade deadline, you might want to hold your horses. General Manager Don Waddell made it clear in a recent interview that the team isn’t looking to add more veteran rentals.
His reasoning? With three key forwards-Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Boone Jenner-already making significant contributions, bringing in another veteran on a short-term deal might not be the best move.
Waddell isn’t closing the door on all trades, though. He’s open to acquiring players who are signed or under team control beyond this season. This approach could add depth and stability without the risk of losing key assets for a short-term gain.
As the deadline looms, Waddell’s primary focus is on contract talks with their pending free agents, including not only UFAs but also RFAs like Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger. Securing these players for the future is a priority, and these discussions are expected to ramp up in the coming weeks. The Blue Jackets are clearly looking to solidify their roster for the long haul, focusing on retaining their current talent rather than chasing new rentals.