Columbus Blue Jackets looking at trading for one of the worst contracts in the NHL according to reports

With the Blue Jackets sitting close to the salary cap minimum, they're exploring options to use their available cap space to their advantage. One interesting strategy is to take on a bad contract from another team as long as it includes a sweetner asset like draft picks or young players. This approach would allow Columbus to gain future assets while helping teams looking to offload salary.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reports that Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is open to these kinds of offers but he has set limits. Waddell is only interested in taking on high salary players if their contracts are short term ideally expiring in the next season or two. This keeps Columbus financially flexible as they rebuild with a potential playoff push in the next few seasons.

Many teams trying to unload contracts have players signed for three to five years but Columbus is not interested in tying up cap space with long term commitments. Waddell is clear that only short term deals preferably with a one or two year term will be considered especially if they include assets that help Columbus' rebuild.

The Blue Jackets are also facing the challenge of staying above the $65 million cap floor, with their current roster sitting just about $2 million over the minimum. Columbus is realistic about this season as a development year and aims to use its cap space wisely to set up future success without risking its long-term goals.