The Columbus Blue Jackets and GM Jarmo Kekalainen are expecting much bigger things from the team during the 2015-16 season after suffering through one of the most frustrating and injury-plagued years in recent NHL memories. While Kekalainen is said to be happy with the roster as currently constructed, it seems that hasn't stopped him from eyeing potential upgrades via trade. Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post Dispatch reports that Kekalainen has, and likely remains engaged in trade talks with other teams interested in adding forwards.
Per Portzline, while Kekalainen has in the recent past indicated his contentedness with the current Jackets blueline, he has "repeatedly" attempted to upgrade his defensive corps via trade this offseason.
This is likely where the franchise's stable of talented young forwards - forwards like Josh Anderson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Sonny Milano and Kerby Rychel - come in. While Portzline doesn't point to any one players as being the apple of another NHL GM's eye, it seems likely that that's the position of strength from which Kekalainen would deal were he to pursue defensive upgrades, though he's likely reticent to lighten his load of young talent.
With the Blue Jackets strong throughout their forward corps with the big club, with names like Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno, Scott Hartnell, Brandon Dubinsky, Boone Jenner or recently-acquired Brandon Saad almost assuredly off-limits.
Cam Atkinson was a rumor mill darling last season, but he was re-signed by the team to a three-year extension. Rene Borque, who has one more year at $3.33 million left on his current deal, could be a possibility, as Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News posits.
In the end, what's clearest from Portzline's report is that the Jackets and Kekalainen wouldn't but unhappy to pick up a defensive upgrade or two. After missing out on free agent Christian Ehrhoff, it seems the trade route is the most likely avenue for finding an addition before the season.
