Two Top NHL Players Hit the Trade Market

Things weren't easy from the start of the season in Columbus. After the messy hiring and firing of Mike Babcock, the Blue Jackets currently sit at the last position in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season.

Blue Jackets' general manager Jarmo Kekalainen could be looking to make major changes at the trade deadline. According to Darren Dreger, the team could even trade two of their top players: Patrik Laine and Ivan Provorov.

Blue Jackets to Trade Laine at the Deadline?

Since Laine got drafted 2nd overall in 2016 after Auston Matthews, the two players consistently showed that the Maple Leafs made the right choice.

This season, he only scored six goals and nine points in 18 games with the Blue Jackets. On the other hand, Matthews has 39 goals and 57 points in 44 games.

Laine's $8.7 million AAV contract ends in 2026. Columbus could decide to trade him if they don't think he'll be a part of their future. However, given his high salary, any trade involving him will likely be done in the summer.

Ivan Provorov Already Out of Columbus?

The seventh overall pick in 2015 Ivan Provorov was traded to Columbus last summer from the the Philadelphia Flyers.

This season, he's been great for the Blue Jackets, scoring 23 points in 44 games, but his defensive struggles continue to plague his game.

He could play a valuable role with a team looking to make a splash in the playoffs, making him a top candidate to be traded out of Columbus at the deadline.

There's no doubt that the asking price for both players will be high, especially considering the Blue Jackets are looking to get more picks and prospects to built their future.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - Pair of former high first round picks have reportedly hit the trade block ahead of the deadline