It's closing in on being decision time for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
They're outside the playoffs as things stand, and if it continues this way, they'll have to choose what to do with their veteran forwards who would be valuable trade chips.
Among those who could be available: Boone Jenner and Charlie Coyle.
The Athletic's Harman Dayal broke down the challenges in a new article on Friday.
The key variable still being figured out is the new head coach in town, Rick Bowness.
"It’d be wise to see how the team performs over the next 10-15 games under Bowness before the deadline," Dayal writes. "If they go on a heater, great, you can justify keeping everyone. If not, the Blue Jackets would be wise to either re-sign or trade their valuable pending UFAs, because missing the playoffs and losing them in the offseason for nothing would sting."
There's almost nothing Coyle doesn't do well.
"Coyle is having an outstanding season — he leads all Columbus forwards in five-on-five points and has delivered Selke-caliber two-way results (earning 54 percent of expected goals and 60 percent of actual goals) despite handling some of the toughest matchups of all NHL forwards," Dayal writes. "He’d be a highly sought-after trade chip if he were made available, especially with how high the demand for quality centers is."
Jenner is a consistently productive player, too.
"Jenner would also fetch a lucrative return because of his production, versatility (he can play center or wing), and big-bodied, hard-nosed playing style," Dayal writes.
The contending teams in the NHL will be keeping an eye on Columbus.
If the Blue Jackets cool off after an initially fast start with Bowness, there could be some sales coming.
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