Last week we evaluated the Detroit Red Wings as potential trade partners, identifying possible returns for Braden Schneider, Vincent Trocheck, or Alexis Lafreniere. As we have said previously, these three players represent the Rangers’ best assets for a quick retool rather than a prolonged rebuild. This week, we turn our focus to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are also a logical trade partner based on structural needs. Specifically, the fit in Columbus for Alexis Lafreniere is a great fit, at least on paper.
Unlike other teams such as Detroit or Minnesota, there has been little chatter about the Blue Jackets exploring the trade market. However, a lack of media speculation does not mean there isn’t a logical fit. Columbus appears to have shifted gears recently, looking less like a team stuck in a perpetual rebuild and more like one making targeted moves. With additions such as Boqvist and Coyle, and the transition from the patient Jarmo Kekäläinen to Don Waddell (who has a history of making true hockey trades) the organization seems to be recalibrating.
The fit in Columbus for Lafreniere makes the most sense
The fit in Columbus for Alexis Lafrenière is a logical starting point for several reasons. If Columbus is ready to take the next competitive step, Lafreniere fits the profile of a typical Don Waddell acquisition. In Carolina, Waddell often targeted players in their mid-20s who were still improving and under team control, such as Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Vincent Trocheck, and Brady Skjei.
Structurally, Columbus has what the Rangers need for their retool. Their roster and prospect pool feature young centers and mobile defensemen. What they lack are proven wingers in their top six. If the Rangers prefer existing NHL talent, Columbus offers a few options.
Cole Sillinger, a 22-year-old middle-six center drafted 12th overall in 2021, is in his fifth NHL season. His offensive game is still developing, but he has often been deployed in a more defensive role. Kent Johnson, selected fifth overall in the same draft, presents a different profile. Now in his fourth season, he is coming off a nearly 60-point campaign but has had an uneven year. While his skill level is undeniable, he may not fully align with the tenacious, two-way identity Chris Drury appears to prioritize.
In the prospect pool, Jackson Smith stands out. The 6’2″, 18-year-old left-shot defenseman, drafted 14th overall in 2024, projects as a top-four option. Currently at Penn State, he has produced 10 goals and nine assists in 26 games, ranking among the top NCAA defensemen in goals and near the top in points per game.
On the offensive side, Luca Del Bel Belluz is another intriguing piece. The 22-year-old center, drafted 44th overall in 2022, is producing at roughly a point-per-game pace in the AHL and has had brief NHL stints. Given the depth ahead of him in Columbus, it is conceivable that he could be available in the right deal.
How Schneider might fit
While the fit in Columbus for Alexis Lafreniere is the most logical, Schneider’s age and upward trajectory also align with the type of player Waddell has targeted in the past. However, there is no pressing positional need for him in Columbus. If the Rangers choose to pursue a prospect-heavy return, Schneider could potentially be packaged with Lafrenière to elevate the overall value. Even so, there is reason to question whether Columbus is the market where Schneider’s full value would be realized.
How Trocheck might fit
Waddell has traded for Trocheck before, which suggests familiarity and appreciation for his game. However, that move came when Trocheck was 26 and entering his prime. While Trocheck remains productive and carries a reasonable cap hit, Columbus’ timeline and positional depth at center make him a less natural target at this stage of his career.
Final thoughts
The Blue Jackets may not generate headlines in the rumor cycle or boast the flashiest assets in terms of name recognition, but from a structural standpoint, scouting Columbus for Alexis Lafreniere makes sense, as they are one of the more intriguing matches for a Rangers retool.
In this scenario, you’re probably looking at getting a Cole Sillinger or Kent Johnson and a 2nd round pick. If they go the prospect route, perhaps you get Jackson Smith or Luca Del Bel Belluz and a secondary asset.
Ultimately, any Rangers–Blue Jackets discussion would likely center on Lafreniere in a hockey trade built around age-aligned NHL talent or near-ready prospects. The question is not whether the teams can match up on paper, but whether both front offices view their timelines as aligned enough to justify a meaningful deal.