Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Rumors: Forsberg, Korpisalo, Hartnell

Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Rumors: GM Jarmo Kekalainen Should Consider A Package Deal Containing One of His Young Netminders to Help Move Scott Hartnell’s Contract

Don’t be surprised if the Columbus Blue Jackets trade rumors once again begin to heat up. After the way starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky performed at the World Cup of Hockey, it seems he may be back to his Vezina-quality self.

Unfortunately, this leaves the Blue Jackets with a crowded crease.

Curtis McElhinney is still under contract to serve as backup; although Joonas Korpisalo stole the show in 2015-16 filling in for an injured Bobrovsky. Then we’ve got Anton Forsberg. He failed in his short NHL stint last season losing out to Korpisalo, but beat out the Finnish netminder for the starting gig with AHL Lake Erie during their postseason championship run.

There’s actually a fifth name we could technically include; Oscar Dansk. The highly touted Swede had a rough start to his pro career and is now in his second year on loan to SHL Rogle BK in 2016-17.

Why Trade Korpisalo/or Forsberg?

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Bobrovsky, 28, has three years remaining on his contract ($7.425 million dollar cap hit) with a no-movement clause. This could make Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg intriguing targets for Las Vegas in the expansion draft. Even if Columbus opts not to re-sign Sergei Bobrovsky in 2019, they’ll only need one younger option to take the reins.

Plus, why force both Korpisalo and Forsberg to play in Cleveland and split time in the crease. Both of these guys are at that stage in their development where they need to start as many games as possible in the minors. Keeping the pair together heightens the risk of stunted growth in their game.

Korpisalo, 22, has one year remaining on his contract. He carries a $742,500 dollar cap hit and will become an RFA next summer.

Forsberg, 23, also has a year remaining on his current deal. It carries a $650,000 dollar cap hit and too becomes an RFA next July.

Package With Hartnell

34-year-old veteran Scott Hartnell takes some unfair criticism at times. He’s still a quality NHL forward that can contribute and help a team win.

In the case of the Blue Jackets, moving Hartnell may have more to do with next June’s expansion draft than anything. He carries a no-movement clause in his contract, so unless there’s a pre-arrangement to waive it, that extra protection spot could go a long way to preserving a talented younger player.

Hartnell has three years remaining on his contract, which carries a $4.75 million dollar cap hit. He will earn $5 million dollars in salary in 2016-17, $4.5 million dollars in 2017-18, and $3 million during the final year in 2018-19.

Next: Potential New Lines That Could Impress in 2016-17

Getting rid of Scott Hartnell’s contract could be the difference between saving the likes of Cam Atkinson, Alex Wennberg, or William Karlsson (among others). It could also help make room for prospects such as Oliver Bjorkstrand or Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Potential Package Deal Fits:

Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues

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