How the NHL Draft Lottery Affects Seth Jones’ Future in Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines in the hockey world this past weekend and it wasn’t for the right reason. Alternate captain and top defenseman Seth Jones announced he would not be signing an extension with the team. Not yet at least.

There is still a chance that Jones does re-sign with Columbus. Based on the organization’s reaction to the news, it appears the writing is on the wall for Jones and his future in Columbus. Columbus may look to try and trade the star ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft.

Columbus currently has the fifth best odds to get the number one overall pick. Currently, there are many who speculate that the number one pick will be Owen Power, a defenseman. If the Blue Jackets don’t receive the first overall pick, they may pick up the phones and call the owner of that pick.

The Teams the Experts are Keeping an Eye on

Owen Power is expected to be the first overall pick. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

Speculations have risen a lot within the last few days of a few landing spots for Seth Jones. Many are speculating Jones would be dealt to Colorado or Dallas because of his previous ties there. Other teams that have been throw into the mix have been the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

Interestingly enough, there isn’t much speculation with the Buffalo Sabres. They have the best odds to land the first overall pick. That means they have the best odds at landing Owen Power, who could end up playing in a top defensive pairing in the near future. If they have their eyes on Power, getting Jones would mean getting an established defenseman that has already established himself as a top-pairing defenseman.

The Search for a Top Center

Columbus has been in the market for a top-line center since Pierre-Luc Dubois departed in a trade to Winnipeg earlier this season. Jack Roslovic had a decent season but may not yet have the skills to be a first-line center at this present moment.

The teams that fit this criteria are the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings.

Jack Eichel. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

For Buffalo, Columbus would look at Jack Eichel. Eichel is expected to meet with Buffalo soon to discuss his future with the team after he felt the team mishandled an injury with him. If Buffalo lands the first overall pick, Columbus will look to swap Eichel and Jones along with their first-round picks. Buffalo would still land a top defenseman and still have a top five pick most likely.

Detroit has the sixth best odds at landing the number one pick and Columbus would look to trade for Dylan Larkin. Larkin, the captain of the Red Wings, may not look to be moved, however he does have a close relationship with Zach Werenski. That relationship may have an influential role in convincing Larkin to come to Columbus.

The Kings have the eighth best odds to land the first overall pick. It may be a good landing spot for Jones if Columbus wants to avoid keeping him in the East. Their most intriguing asset is Quinton Byfield. He has the potential to be a top-line center, but maybe not immediately.

A trade with the Kings could result in Columbus looking more toward the future as opposed to an immediate impact.

Options with the First Overall Pick

The 2021 NHL Draft Lottery is expected to be announced on Wednesday, June 2. Image Courtesy of theathletic.com

If Columbus were to land the first overall pick, they have lots of options on what to do with Seth Jones. Assuming they’d take Owen Power with that pick, Columbus wouldn’t have to worry about trying to trade up to that first overall pick. They also have two other first-round picks at their disposal to use.

Getting the first overall pick is the most ideal scenario for any team. For Columbus, getting the first overall pick could result in the departure of Seth Jones with the acquisition of Owen Power. If Columbus lands that pick, there are many different routes they could go with if they unload Seth Jones.

Cover Image Courtesy of Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.