The Columbus Blue Jackets have not been having a good season, starting 0-8-0 and having a difficult time recovering, sitting 8th in the Metropolitan Division. While they do not have a playoff berth yet, they still have a chance, but it is the slimmest of chances. With this in mind, the team will go into selling mode, with Scott Hartnell and Fedor Tyutin reportedly having a chance of going up for trade, according to the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline. The veteran forward and defenseman would certainly help a playoff bound team, but that is all the Jackets are willing to let go of. They are not rebuilding, but instead are in the process of building.
"We're in the midst of a build, three and a half years into it," said John Davidson, president of hockey operations. "Now that first half-year (the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season) is kind of getting-to-know-you. But three years into the build, some things have gone well and some things haven't. But, no, we're not looking to tear this thing down."
"Are you kidding? We have some pieces in place," Davidson continued. "These guys are going to play every game to win. That's just in their DNA and the coaches DNA to win every game they play. That's just how it is."
As the team is currently building, the team's young talent is important for the team to keep.
"Oh, no. We're not giving up on our future," Davidson said. "No chance, unless it just makes a ton of sense. There's no sense that happens. We're going to continue to draft and develop and go through the process, whether it's here, Cleveland, junior, college, Europe ... whatever it is. We hired Jarkko Ruutu to give ourselves two of those guys in development. We've got Clarkie (Chris Clark) here and Jarkko over there, because growing our young kids the right was is very important for us.
"We're in the middle of a process. It just is what it is."
Despite this sentiment, young center Ryan Johansen was dealt last month to Nashville for defenseman Ryan Jones. This, however, seemed to be a good move, as the Blue Jackets are 6-1-1 in their last eight games.
