In a significant move to revitalise their faltering campaign, the Columbus Blue Jackets executed a trade with the Seattle Kraken late on Friday night. The transaction, completed just before the NHL's holiday roster freeze came into effect, sees veteran forward Mason Marchment heading to Columbus.
Trade Details and Team Motivations
The Blue Jackets have secured the services of the 30-year-old forward in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2027 and a fourth-round selection in the 2025 draft. Notably, Columbus had originally acquired that fourth-round pick from the New York Rangers in a previous deal. This trade underscores the urgency for both franchises, who find themselves at the bottom of their respective conferences.
Columbus General Manager Don Waddell expressed clear optimism about the new addition. "Mason is a player I know very well, and I think he will add a great deal to our team," Waddell stated. He highlighted Marchment's profile as a physical, hard-nosed competitor with proven offensive ability.
For the Seattle Kraken, the move was about planning for the future. By trading Marchment, who is in the final year of a four-year, $18 million contract, the team gains valuable salary cap flexibility and additional draft capital. Kraken GM Jason Botterill confirmed this strategy, saying, "This trade gives us more draft capital and flexibility as we look to improve our team moving forward."
What Mason Marchment Brings to Columbus
Mason Marchment is a substantial addition, literally and figuratively. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 215 pounds, he offers a formidable physical presence on the ice. His offensive credentials are solid, with two 20-goal seasons in his seven-year NHL career. Before the trade, he had recorded 4 goals and 13 points in 29 games for Seattle this season.
His journey to the NHL is a story of perseverance. An undrafted player, Marchment made his league debut at 24 with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2019-20 season. After stints with the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars, he was traded to Seattle just last June. This marks his second trade in less than a year. Over his 331-game career, he has amassed 80 goals, 202 points, and 284 penalty minutes.
Roster Freeze and Other Team News
With the holiday roster freeze now active, no further transactions can be made until the break concludes. The Blue Jackets will hope Marchment provides the immediate spark they need when play resumes. In separate roster news, Columbus also announced that forward Brendan Gaunce has been designated as non-roster while away from the team due to personal reasons. Gaunce has one goal and four points in 12 games this season.
This trade represents a calculated gamble for the Blue Jackets, who are tied for last in the Eastern Conference. By injecting a player of Marchment's size, skill, and experience into their lineup, they aim to climb out of the basement and become a more competitive force for the remainder of the season.
