Blue Jackets seek forward acquisitions before trade deadline

The Columbus Blue Jackets, surprising contenders in the 2024-25 NHL season, are considering making trades as the deadline approaches, despite initially expecting to be sellers. With a record of 30-22-8, they currently hold a wild card spot and are looking to reward their strong performance by adding depth, particularly at forward, to compensate for injuries. General Manager Don Waddell is weighing the balance between improving the team and maintaining long-term assets, as the team is also exploring an extension for star defenseman Ivan Provorov, who is drawing interest from other teams. However, Waddell is inclined to keep Provorov unless a significant offer comes in, valuing his contribution to the team's culture and performance. The Blue Jackets are also adjusting their trade targets after the recent acquisition of Gustav Nyquist by the Minnesota Wild, focusing instead on less costly players to enhance their roster. The NHL trade deadline is set for March 7, leaving the team with limited time to finalize any deals.