Right off the bat, it’s important to note that the Jackets don’t actually want to trade this pick. In spite of their adding defensemen over the last week, the idea here is to draft their future #1 center at this summer’s draft. That was the plan two weeks ago, and it’s still the plan today. So, for any team who wants to come knocking at the door for this pick, they have to know up front: it’s not really for sale, so your offer had better be ridiculous.
This isn’t a team that’s in a position to compete next year.