Entering January, the Columbus Blue Jackets were losing ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They seemed certain to become sellers by the trade deadline, with pending unrestricted free agents such as Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Charlie Coyle considered the likely trade candidates.
However, the Blue Jackets replaced Dean Evason with Rick Bowness as head coach on Jan. 12, which sent them surging in the standings. On Jan. 28, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that management must decide whether to remain sellers, become buyers, or stand pat by the March 6 trade deadline.
Meanwhile, RG.Org’s Marco D’Amico reported the Blue Jackets were getting calls about Jenner and Coyle, given their experience and ability to play center. Three days later, his colleague James Murphy indicated GM Don Waddell would love to re-sign Coyle, but could move him if the Jackets fall out of contention.
Waddell is going to spend the Olympic break attempting to re-sign Coyle and Jenner. Given that the latter is a long-time Blue Jacket and the team captain, he could become Waddell’s priority, which would make Coyle a more likely trade candidate.