Throughout the offseason and the start of the season, a frequent topic of conversation among the Fifth Line was whether the Columbus Blue Jackets could add a center. The depth was seen as lacking with the loss of William Karlsson in the expansion draft and with the declining play of Brandon Dubinsky last year. It was believed that a center for one of the top two lines was the piece that could elevate the Jackets from a playoff team to a Cup contender.
The most desired piece was Matt Duchene, and it was reported that Columbus was in active talks with Colorado for most of the year.