Blue Jackets Reassess Trade Deadline Plans After Turnaround

GM Don Waddell shifts focus to acquiring players with term contracts amid team's surprising playoff push.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:55am

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have experienced a remarkable turnaround under new head coach Rick Bowness, going 10-1-0 in their first 11 games. This dramatic improvement has forced GM Don Waddell to reevaluate the team's trade deadline strategy, moving away from selling assets and instead prioritizing the acquisition of players with term remaining on their contracts.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets' sudden resurgence has complicated their trade deadline plans, as they now find themselves in the playoff hunt after previously being expected to sell. Waddell's focus on term contracts over short-term rentals suggests a desire to build a sustainable contender rather than just patch holes for an immediate playoff push.

The details

Just weeks ago, the Blue Jackets were widely expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. However, their recent 10-1-0 run under new head coach Rick Bowness has dramatically altered their outlook. Waddell acknowledged the shift, stating the team is unlikely to pursue short-term rentals, specifically unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Instead, the GM's focus has pivoted towards acquiring players with term remaining on their contracts, a strategy that aligns with a growing trend in the NHL towards long-term stability over immediate gains.

  • The Blue Jackets' trade deadline is on March 6.
  • The team has gone 10-1-0 under new head coach Rick Bowness.

The players

Don Waddell

The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets who is navigating the team's trade deadline strategy.

Rick Bowness

The new head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets who has led the team to a 10-1-0 record since taking over.

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What they’re saying

“Three weeks ago, I would have probably been selling everything now. I kind of looked at our UFA's. We like our team. We like how it's going right now.”

— Don Waddell, General Manager (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets' upcoming games against the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders – teams they are chasing in the standings – will be crucial in shaping Waddell's decision-making process. These contests will provide a clearer picture of the Blue Jackets' true potential and their ability to compete for a playoff berth.

The takeaway

The Blue Jackets' dramatic turnaround under Rick Bowness has forced GM Don Waddell to rethink the team's trade deadline strategy, shifting away from selling assets and instead focusing on acquiring players with term contracts. This suggests a desire to build a sustainable contender rather than just patch holes for an immediate playoff push, a strategy that aligns with a growing trend in the NHL.