Now, I'm not advocating, I'm asking.
Yes, the Jackets are only a short win streak out of first place in the Metro. And, yes, the Jackets are only a couple points out of a playoff spot. But the Jackets are also in last place in the Metro. And they have a disturbing habit of blowing leads in the third period and being 6-6 in overtime and shootouts.
Now, one possible way to deal with this iffy situation would be to shake up the roster a little. As much as I would prefer otherwise, it does seem that the Jackets miss either JVR or Danforth. I doubt that Detroit will trade JVR and I don't think Justin Danforth would be much of an improvement over the Jackets 3rd and 4th liners. However, it seems that the improvement must come in the 3rd and 4th lines.
Chinakhov wants out. His play argues that he's not going to be 4th line material. But there's bound to be a GM or two out there who is sure Chinny's problem is the Jackets coaches. So, let one of them try to make him a better player. Sure, no one will give up much for him, but this is the final year of his contract. He can go wherever he wants this summer. Better to get something than nothing. And if that something is a low draft pick, LDBB or Pinelli gets a full time roster spot.
The other "hole" is Zach Austin-Reese. Yeah, okay, he was an important piece when claimed off waivers, last year. But professional sports are the ultimate "What have you done for me lately?" And Evason would rather play LDBB than ZAR. Frankly, I doubt Waddell could even get a 7th round pick for him. When Boone comes back, ZAR should be put on waivers for being sent to Cleveland. I think it's highly unlikely anyone will claim him. But if someone does, who cares?
Yes, trading one of the defensemen would shake things up. But I don't think anyone will trade for Provorov or Severson, considering their AAVs. Fabbro is equally difficult to trade since his slide to the 3rd pairing with his contract. Werenski and Mateychuk will be CBJ fixtures for years. That leaves the $4 million man, Gudbranson, and Christiansen. Guddy's salary says he's not going anywhere and Christiansen is one of the dime-a-dozen eternal 7th D. If any real changes are coming to the blueline, it'll happen this summer when teams are more likely to take on big salaries.
Would trading Chinakhov and/or demoting Austin-Reese make a difference? Hard to say. But other than the pundits' yearly speculation that Jenner could be traded at the TDL, or trading one of the young forwards, they're the only players who, realistically, can be shipped out and a difference made.
