Blue Jackets Could Package 2 Prime Draft Picks For Immediate Upgrade

The Columbus Blue Jackets have two draft picks in the first round of the 2025 draft, at 14th and 20th. Cam Robinson reported that the team could package both picks in a deal to acquire an established NHL player. There are a lot of young and upcoming players on the team and bringing in a player that the Blue Jackets could fetch with those two draft picks would make a major difference.

Columbus is at a point where they have to take a step into the playoffs and be a regular contender. The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens did so this season and they are the most logical team to follow with how well they played the majority of this season, just missing due to poor late season play.

It's hard to say if any goalie worth those two picks would be available, but whether it be a defense or forward, the Blue Jackets could be in a great position if they find the right partner. Established doesn't have to be a veteran either. I'm thinking that the Blue Jackets could target teams with unsigned RFAs to see if a deal could be struck. Marco Rossi and JJ Peterka come to mind, but the exact price to acquire either remains to be seen.

The Blue Jackets have the pieces at every position to be a threat for many years, but the toughest part is taking the step into contention with the right mix of young players and veterans. Columbus is very close and this would be a very smart move to package these picks as they won't help the team for a few years anyways.

It will be interesting to see just how aggressive the Blue Jackets are this offseason leading up to the draft and just what they are able to pull off to improve their group for a big season ahead.