Unlike other teams like Detroit or Minnesota, there has been little talk about the Blue Jackets exploring the trade market. However, a lack of media speculation doesn’t mean there isn’t a logical match. Columbus seems to be shifting gears lately, looking less like a team stuck in a perpetual rebuild and more like a team making purposeful moves. With additions like Boqvist and Coyle, and the transition from the patient Jarmo Kekäläinen to Don Waddell (who has a history of real hockey trades), the organization appears to be recalibrating.
The fit in Columbus for Lafreniere makes the most sense
The fit in Columbus for Alexis Lafrenière is a logical starting point for several reasons. If Columbus is ready to take the next competitive step, Lafreniere fits the profile of a typical Don Waddell acquisition. In Carolina, Waddell often targeted players in their mid-20s who were still improving and under team control, such as Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Vincent Trocheck and Brady Skjei.
Structurally, Columbus has what the Rangers need for their realignment. Their selection and prospect pool consist of young centers and mobile defenders. What they are missing are proven wingers in their top six. If the Rangers prefer existing NHL talent, Columbus offers a few options.
Cole Sillinger, a 22-year-old mid-six center who was drafted 12th overall in 2021, is in his fifth NHL season. His attacking game is still developing, but he is often deployed in a more defensive role. Kent Johnson, fifth overall in the same draft, presents a different profile. Now in his fourth season, he’s coming off a nearly 60-point season, but he’s had an uneven year. While his skill level is undeniable, he may not fully align with the tenacious, two-way identity that Chris Drury seems to be prioritizing.
In the prospect pool, Jackson Smith stands out. Drafted 14th overall in 2024, the 6-foot-1, 18-year-old left-shot defenseman is considered a top-four option. Currently at Penn State, he has produced 10 goals and nine assists in 26 games, putting him among the top NCAA defensemen in goals and near the top in points per game.
On the offensive side, Luca Del Bel Belluz is another intriguing piece. Drafted 44th overall in 2022, the 22-year-old center is producing in the AHL at a rate of about one point per game and has had short NHL stints. Given the depth awaiting him in Columbus, it’s conceivable he could be available in the right deal.
How Schneider might fit
While the matchup in Columbus makes the most sense for Alexis Lafreniere, Schneider’s age and upward trajectory also align with the type of player Waddell has targeted in the past. However, there is no pressing positional need for him in Columbus. If the Rangers choose to pursue a high-prospect return, Schneider could potentially be paired with Lafrenière to increase the overall value. Still, there is reason to doubt that Columbus is the market where Schneider’s full value would be realized.
How Trocheck might fit
Waddell has previously traded for Trocheck, indicating familiarity and appreciation for his play. However, that step came when Trocheck was 26 and reaching his peak. While Trocheck remains productive and has a reasonable cap hit, Columbus’ timeline and positional depth at center make him a less natural target at this stage of his career.
Final thoughts
The Blue Jackets may not make headlines in the rumor cycle or have the most notable assets in terms of name recognition, but from a structural perspective, scouting Columbus for Alexis Lafreniere makes sense as they are one of the most intriguing matchups for a Rangers retool.
Ultimately, any discussion between Rangers and Blue Jackets would likely center on Lafreniere in a hockey trade built around age-appropriate NHL talent or near-ready prospects. The question isn’t whether the teams can match on paper, but whether both front offices align their timelines enough to justify a meaningful deal
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