The Columbus Blue Jackets seemed to have waded into the NHL off-season slowly. Still, after signing sniper Patrik Laine to a four-year 36.8 million dollar deal earlier this afternoon, the moves continue as they appear to be re-tooling as it were in a trade with the Seattle Kraken.
According to Kevin Weekes of ESPN and the NHL Network,
the Blue Jackets and Kraken have agreed to a trade that sees forward Oliver Bjorkstrand land in Seattle in exchange for a 3rd and 4th round draft choice in next year's National Hockey League draft.
Bjorkstrand, 27, had 57 points in 80 games played for the Blue Jackets last season, including 28 goals and 29 assists. He has spent his entire career in Columbus up to this point.
There is some public outcry in regards to the return the Blue Jackets have received, some say, they believe Bjorkstand is worth at least a 1st rounder and Columbus should have held out for a better return, however, I'm not so sure.
For a player that is coming off a career year by more than 10 points and had never cracked the 60-point plateau during his time in the league (7 seasons), I would say the return of a 3rd and 4th round draft choice is more than fair.
