{"id":455549,"date":"2026-02-12T13:01:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/455549\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T13:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:01:16","slug":"blue-jackets-blackhawks-becoming-trade-partners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/455549\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Jackets & Blackhawks Becoming Trade Partners?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Chicago<\/a>
The Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> hit the Olympic break playing their best hockey of the season, and that heater has flipped their trade deadline story from \u201csell what you can\u201d to \u201chow far can this go?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Athletic\u2019s Aaron Portzline<\/a> reported that general manager Don Waddell wants to help the room, but the next few weeks will decide whether this is a real playoff push or just a hot stretch that forces a hard pivot.<\/p>\n

Blue Jackets trade deadline: buy now or protect assets<\/p>\n

Portzline\u2019s read is that Waddell\u2019s priority during the break is trying to get extensions done for pending unrestricted free agents Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and defenseman Erik Gudbranson.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nick Foligno expressing his frustration after a bad overall showing for the #Blackhawks<\/a> in Columbus.pic.twitter.com\/DtmghQn9C5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Just Another Year Chicago: Blackhawks (@JAYChi_Hawks) February 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

If those talks trend the right way and the Blue Jackets keep winning, Waddell has reason to add, ideally, an offensive finisher who is not just a pure rental.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If the standings tighten the wrong way after the break, the same names become leverage, and Columbus could shift to moving unsigned pieces rather than risking them walking on July 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nick Foligno trade rumors: a reunion that fits the moment<\/p>\n

One of the more fun ideas Portzline floated was a potential depth move for Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> captain Nick Foligno, bringing a former Blue Jacket back into a room that is suddenly loud again.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It’s not a headline add, but it is the kind of veteran bet that makes sense if Columbus wants to reward the group without torching the future. Foligno would bring playoff-style minutes, leadership, and a fit with a heavier identity, especially if Waddell\u2019s bigger scoring target is too pricey in a market where sellers are limited.<\/p>\n

Foligno has two goals and 10 total points in 33 games this season. He spent nine seasons in Columbus, and recorded 142 goals and 334 points.<\/p>\n

If they come out of the break still on the playoff line, expect Waddell to lean into buying and try to strengthen the roster without treating this as a one-month fling. If they stumble, the safer play is to turn those pending UFAs into value and keep the long game intact, even if it hurts in the short term.<\/p>\n

Photo Credit:\u00a0Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n