Report: Blue Jackets looking to trade defenseman
The Columbus Blue Jackets want to trade a defenseman to create more flexibility on their roster at the position, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.
Columbus revamped its blue line over the offseason by acquiring Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. It's unclear who the Blue Jackets would prefer to ship out, but the newcomers, along with star rearguard Zach Werenski, are likely the safest.
Here's a look at the club's defensive depth chart on the cusp of the 2023-24 regular season.
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Ivan Provorov | Damon Severson |
| Zach Werenski | Andrew Peeke |
| Adam Boqvist | Erik Gudbranson |
Jake Bean is also on the NHL roster, and the Blue Jackets have a pair of high-profile prospects in their pipeline in David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk - both of whom were first-round picks in 2022.
Columbus ranked 31st last season in both shots against per game (35.4) and goals against (329).
The Blue Jackets begin their regular season Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers, marking their first contest under new head coach Pascal Vincent.