Gotta think C-bus says no.

Seems pretty fair. Curious to hear what Columbus fans think.

Hard pass for CBJ. Trading KJ for parts is incredible short sighted and there's zero credibility to any of the rumors about him being unhappy.

Podkolzin is almost as high of a pick, only one year older, bigger, and is having a much better season than KJ (so far). Garland is a pretty good top 9 forward, with term, and with the retention, comes in at just under $3m for two more seasons after the current one. Then you have 1st and 2nd round picks included... I'd hardly call that parts. I also don't think CBJ should be anywhere close to moving on from KJ, unless he is causing problems. If he is causing problems, though, that is a red flag that will likely decrease his value.

Yeah, him eagerly reporting to Cleveland to play a game the same day as getting bag skated in Columbus is definitely causing problems. It's always hilarious how people fully admit to paying zero attention to Columbus, but every time there's the whiff of a story there are experts everywhere on the team dynamics behind closed doors.

"Parts" is a misnomer, but Columbus' perpetual problem is high-end talent. Johnson has shown some incredible flashes, where Podkolzin (while decent) hasn't shown that level. The basis of "high-value, low quantity out for good value, high quantity in" is exactly the problem. If KJ gets moved, it would make more sense to add ??? for a legitimate top-line forward, rather than ship him out for more darts (which we have plenty of).

The summary: KJ has a high ceiling, which is what Columbus (who has a ton of prospects and middle-6 forwards/second+third pair D-men) needs. Trading him out for more of the same doesn't help, even if the value is close.

I said "UNLESS he is causing problems", I never said that he was ACTUALLY causing problems. I have heard nothing that leads me to believe he is causing any problems, other than speculation, which holds zero weight with me. But, IF he is that is certainly something that could be a red flag that might lower his value.

Agreed.