Del Zotto stays; Jackets set to reload
might look like a rebuild and feel like one, but the Blue Jackets aren't viewing their transactions leading up to the NHL trade deadline Monday as a rebuild.
They're looking at it as a “reload” of sorts, after dealing three lineup regulars, including revered captain Nick Foligno and defenseman David Savard, for multiple picks in the next two drafts.
Those who remain are committed to keeping the Jackets competitive despite a frustrating season that led to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen selling off valuable assets at the deadline. That's not what the Jackets had in mind this season, after qualifying for the playoffs the past four years, but it's a pitfall they're now facing.
“I mean, we built this culture,” said veteran forward Cam Atkinson, an alternate captain and important member of a core group the Jackets will build next year's roster around. “It took us a long time to get us to where we are and I'm sure as hell not going to let this thing slide.”
Going into a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday at Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets were seven points back of the final playoff spot in the Central Division and without five lineup regulars.
Two — Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski — are done for the season with injuries, while the other three were moved in trades with Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Riley Nash, despite a knee sprain, was sent to the Maple Leafs on Friday for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2022. The next day, long-time Blue Jackets defenseman Savard went to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two picks — a first-round pick in 2021 and third-round pick in 2022.
Foligno, the Blue Jackets' captain the past six years, wound up on the Maple Leafs in a three-way deal that included the San Jose Sharks. Kekalainen's return included two picks — Toronto's first-round selection in 2021 a fourthit rounder in 2022.
Those look like pure sell-offs at first glance, but the Jackets did eat 50% of the remaining contracts for Savard and Foligno. And having three first-round picks in the upcoming draft could spark an offseason trade or trades to add established players.
“We've got quite a few draft picks this year, that Jarmo got, and I think that anything's possible in the offseason,” said defenseman Seth Jones, another of the Jackets' alternate captains. “We're still going to try to build this thing up to where we were before. We're not just going to roll over here and die for the next year. … We still have our core that can get things done.”
They also went into the game against Chicago with the same roster they had Monday morning, which was somewhat surprising given they had another potential trade chip left in Michael Del Zotto.
The 30-year old defenseman made it clear to management that he liked Columbus and wanted to stay, but his play combined with a one-year contract for just $700,000 and his playoff experience appeared to put that desire in jeopardy.
Del Zotto, however, remained with the Blue Jackets after the deadline expired. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger