Jackets GM not looking to sell at deadline: I have to give the team a chance

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is rethinking his trade deadline strategy amid Columbus' unexpected success this season.

"This is a different year as I'd probably look at it normally," he said Thursday, per NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger. "Just because of what the guys have been through and how they continue to battle every day of the season and keep us in the position we're in as of Feb. 27. And for me to trade players for mid-round picks, it doesn't make sense."

Columbus entered this season having finished last in its division three times in the last four campaigns. It's also been an emotional season for the Blue Jackets following the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in August.

However, Columbus is in the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference and has won its first three games following the 4 Nations Face-Off, including a 5-2 victory Thursday against the team in the first wild-card spot, the Detroit Red Wings. The Blue Jackets currently have a 28.2% chance of making the postseason for the first time since 2020, per MoneyPuck.

"At the beginning of the season, I just hoped we'd have some kind of meaningful games in March," Waddell said. "I didn't realize we'd be in a playoff spot. And so now, the way I look at it, I don't know if selling off is the right thing for this group. This group has done a great job of sticking together, and whether we can get there or not, I think I've got to give this group a chance."

As a result, top trade chip Ivan Provorov could remain in Columbus. He and the Blue Jackets reportedly have a mutual interest in an extension.

In addition to an emotional campaign, Columbus has also had to persevere through lengthy injury absences from key players like captain Boone Jenner and glue guy Sean Monahan.

Waddell credited his staff and veteran players for setting the standard.

"The coaches have done a great job, but the leadership of this team has kept this group together all year," the executive said, according to NHL.com's Nicholas J. Cotsonika. "To me, that's the most amazing thing. I kept waiting for the bubble to burst, and they've been persistent in their message with the guys.

"We've got some really good young players, but they need good leadership - and I think we've got great leadership."

Columbus will get a chance to overtake the Red Wings in the standings during the Stadium Series on Saturday.