Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets Pull Three Players Off Trade Market

The Blue Jackets are shifting focus ahead of the trade deadline, leaning towards keeping key players instead of trading them.

by
NHL Trade Talk
February 12, 2026

The Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be changing course ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Instead of shopping veterans Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle, and Mason Marchment, the team is now leaning toward keeping all three and working on contract extensions.

According to a report from RG.org’s James Murphy, GM Don Waddell plans to open talks with the trio—each a pending unrestricted free agent—during the Olympic break next week.

The shift comes after a dramatic turnaround under new head coach Rick Bowness, who was hired January 12 following Dean Evason’s dismissal. Since then, Columbus has gone 10-1-0 and climbed to within five points of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. With the team suddenly in the playoff hunt, trade chatter around Jenner, Coyle, and Marchment has cooled considerably. They’re now believed to be off the market.

Instead of selling, Waddell is expected to look for ways to strengthen the roster for a postseason push. A source said, “Regardless of whether they’re signed to extensions before the Olympic break ends, they’re off the trade market heading into the trade deadline. Waddell is just going to ride with them and add to the roster so they can make it into the playoffs.”

Jenner, 32, has eight goals and 27 points in 42 games and is finishing a four-year deal worth $3.7 million annually. Coyle, 33, has 15 goals and 42 points in 56 games on a one-year, $5.25 million contract. Marchment, 30, has 26 points in 43 games in the final season of his four-year deal.

Columbus resumes play February 26 and, for now, appears committed to this core as it chases a playoff return.

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