Report: 2 Major Changes Could Be Coming For Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets had to put out fire after fire this past offseason, and after the Kirill Marchenko trade on the eve of the regular season, it felt like things were finally going to settle down. Adam Fantilli was finally signed, the Zach Werenski rumors went away, and then Matthew Knies scored two goals in the season opener and all looked right with the world in Columbus.

But things haven't quite gone so well since then. They have one win in their last four games, Fantilli has just three points in seven games, Knies has gone pointless in five straight, and they sit in 7th place in the Metro Division at 3-4-0. 

Insider Frank Seravalli said on Frankly Hockey today that if things don't take a significant turn for the better, two notable changes could be coming.

It wouldn't shock me at some point, 20 games from now, if they're, (A), making a coaching change, and (B), um, the Werenski thing has never really left. He just did a lot more than your average bear to cover it up and to give him an opportunity to go back there this year. Look, they're still going to get to next summer and have to ask that question of, 'Are you extending here?' And I'm with you. I think that that answer is probably a 'No' in the end.

His co-host John Buccigross went so far as to say, "Man, I have a feeling that Zach Werenski is going to be traded this year. I don't know, it's just a vibe I have..."

Zach Werenski still looking at trade this season? 

The offseason began in Columbus with the blockbuster rumor that Werenski wouldn't be interested in re-signing once his deal is up after next season. Soon after that, the Blue Jackets had a trade agreed to with the Dallas Stars for Thomas Harley. But Werenski used his full no-movement clause to veto the deal. He eventually said it was all a misunderstanding, and he wanted to stay. 

But Buccigross and Seravalli feel there are still some embers burning under the surface of that extinguished fire, and the blaze may kick up into a roaring fire once again before Christmas. 

As for a potential coaching change, no one would be surprised about that, with 71-year-old Rick Bowness once again coming out and berating his team through the media for their perceived lack of effort. There's really only so long that players can listen to that before they just tune him out. 

The Blue Jackets will certainly continue to be a team to watch as the season progresses through the next month or two.