The Columbus Blue Jackets finished the year at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Jackets fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen during the season and have named Don Waddell as the new GM and President of Hockey Operations.

With the Blue Jackets struggles continuing, Waddell is destined to turn this thing around and revealed that that “everything” is in play, per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch.

“As the general manager, I have to listen to all options. So, you listen to all the dialogue. Teams have asked me already, ‘Is your (fourth) pick in play?’ And I’ve said, ‘For the right price, everything is in play.’”

The Blue Jackets have the fourth overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft, so there could be movement from them with that pick. Whether or not they trade the pick remains to be seen, but for now, Waddell is examining all options in hopes of getting the Blue Jackets back to relevancy.

After being hired as the GM, Waddell made no excuses and is determined to change things in Columbus: “With the players that are currently on the roster, and knowing how this organization runs and everybody that's been here … there's no excuse from an ownership standpoint. They give you all the tools, all the resources to make it work.”

The Blue Jackets have been taking trade calls already

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Nationwide Arena
Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

There could be a lot of movement for the Blue Jackets, especially with a top-5 pick in the upcoming draft. As such, Waddell mentioned that they have already begun to explore the market:

“I’m trying to find out what everybody’s looking for. They’re asking me the same thing, and I’m telling them that we have pro meetings coming up. After those, I’ll have a better feel for what we have as an organization, what we need, and what we’re willing to part with.”

Waddell is also no stranger to making trades after spending time with each of the Atlanta Thrashers and Carolina Hurricanes as the GM. He even said he doesn't know how many trades he has made, per Hedger.

“I don’t know how many trades I’ve made in my life, but it’s been a lot. If you want to help your team, more than likely you’re giving up something on your team that you like, too, because that’s the way it works.”

It will be interesting to see what Don Waddell and the Columbus Blue Jackets do this offseason. The 2024 NHL Draft is at the end of June with free agency beginning on July 1, so there will be a lot of rumors and discussions over the next few weeks.