Even after dealing No. 1 center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators, the Columbus Blue Jackets may not be done on the trade front. Of course, with Johansen gone, it's likely that Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen isn't the one making the calls, plying his wares, but is instead fielding interesting from teams who think the shop in Columbus is open. One such team, said to be showing strong interest in Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, is the New York Rangers.
Hearing rumblings that #NYR have called, yet again, regarding #CBJ RW Cam Atkinson, who has quickly become a favorite of John Tortorella.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 7, 2016
Portzline, who reported that the Predators and Blue Jackets were talking a "blockbuster" in the hours leading up to the Johansen trade, also added that he doesn't believe Kekalainen is done dealing.
#CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen said nothing else was "on the horizon" last night. But I don't think the Blue Jackets are done, by any means.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 7, 2016
Sitting at 15-23-3 and holding limply onto their spot in the NHL's basement, there's really no reason for Columbus and Kekalainen to keep up the charade of trying to win now. Selling off whatever assets they determine aren't in their long-term future for assets that can become part of their future is probably Kekalainen's best choice at this juncture.
And for the Rangers, riding a tough 4-5-1 stretch and doing what they can to keep pace with their fellow New York-based NHL franchise, the Islanders, it makes sense to try and enact a deal aimed at upping the team's overall skill level.
That being said, the Rangers seem to be struggling at this point on the backend, not up front. Atkinson, 26, is a talented guy, a little on the small side with a high motor - it makes sense that Jackets head coach John Tortorella is a fan. He's also got two years left on a three-year deal that carries a $3.5 million cap hit.
But with Johansen gone from Columbus, Atkinson would seem a needed presence. That, combined with the fact that New York seemingly needs defensive upgrades more than anything, makes this a questionable deal.
Then again, if Rangers GM Jeff Gorton believes changes need to be made as he attempts to take the Rangers from very good to great, it really wouldn't be surprising at this point.
