Blue Jackets Reveal Their Strategy for the 3rd Overall Pick

PUBLICATION

James Connelly
June 18, 2023 (3:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has spoken out about the plans the Jackets have for the NHL draft and what they will do with their top pick.

Blue Jackets Plan For Third Overall Pick Revealed

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a very poor season last year that was rewarded with the 3rd overall pick. The Blue Jackets are fortunate to have the 3rd overall pick in a year this good.

With prospects like Leo Carlsson, Matvei Michkov, and Will Smith being likely available with the 3rd pick, the Blue Jackets will be able to pick a prospect worthy of going 1st overall in most other drafts.

Today, GM Jarmo Kekalainen has spoken out on what the Blue Jackets intend on doing with their pick.

«I've gotten several calls about the third pick, but nothing's been even close. So, it's highly, highly, highly unlikely (to be traded). I'm 99.9% sure that we're not trading that pick.» - Jarmo Kekalainen

Teams like the Montreal Canadiens are rumored to want to move up as well as teams like the Arizona Coyotes and the Philadelphia Flyers who have multiple first-round picks.

For the Blue Jackets to even consider moving down, it would require a massive overpay and some teams may not be willing to part way with the Blue Jackets ask.

It appears that despite Kekalainen making some aggressive moves like trading for Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson, he is unwilling to make a "win now" type trade unless it is overwhelmingly in favor of the Jackets.