Columbus ‘working the phones’ to trade a defenceman

National Hockey League franchises needing defense help should call the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Columbus GM Jarmo Kekäläinen “is still working the phones in an attempt to trade a defenceman.”

The organization has 8 defencemen on their squad, with Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peeke being used as healthy scratches in their latest matches.

Rookie David Jiricek is now ahead of the named 2 for a role in the top 6, but he is the only group member who can be sent to the AHL without clearing waivers.

Jiricek, picked 6^th overall at the 2022 NHL Draft, has a goal and an assist in 4 matches this campaign. The young defenseman played 4 matches with Columbus last campaign, as he was sent for most of the time to the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.

More on this topic:

Devils appoint Fletcher as senior advisor to GM

Boqvist is yet to earn a point despite playing 2 matches this campaign. He notched 5 goals and earned 24 points in 46 matches with the organization in the past campaign.

According to reports, the Columbus Blue Jackets are actively attempting to trade a defenseman at the moment. The club is currently carrying 8 blue liners and would like to move one within the next week. #CBJ

— Dynes Sports (@dynessports) October 23, 2023