NHL Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets Linked to Blockbuster Trade

Keep an eye on the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman referenced the Blue Jackets in short order in his latest 32 Thoughts blog, but the simply message sent a telling story to what to expect from GM Don Waddell. "Team we probably are not talking about enough to try something major: Columbus."

The Blue Jackets have a whopping $40 million in cap space this summer, and barely missed the playoffs last season. They're in position to make a huge splash on both the free-agent and trade market, and have the assets to get deals done, it's just a matter of how much Waddell wants to spend.

As far as trade candidates go out of Columbus, they have two first-round picks at the NHL Draft next week, and could dangle one for an impact player. Meanwhile, off their roster, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is a name to watch, along with prospects Charlie Elick, and Evan Gardner. 

Defenceman Damon Severson is also a name that's been laced on trade boards. Severson has five years left on his contract at $6.25 million, and last season posted 25 points in 70 games. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli provided his scoop on Severson talks in a recent article:

This one was a bit of a surprise, admittedly, for a guy with six years left on his deal. He also has a full ‘no-trade’ clause and can veto any deal. But Severson’s name has popped up in recent discussions. In the grand scheme with the salary cap rising, his AAV is definitely reasonable and will continue to look better and better over the next few seasons. It’s the term that might make teams wince. Nonetheless, the big question is… if Severson is in play, what are the Blue Jackets up to?

Keep an eye on CBJ, they are up to something big.

Photo credit:  Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images