NHL trade news: Columbus Blue Jackets face crucial choices—buy, sell, or hold on to playoff contention as deadline approaches

As the NHL trade deadline looms on March 6, the clock is ticking down for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who face a crucial choice on whether to buy, sell, or hold on to their veteran players as they fight for a playoff spot.

Columbus Blue Jackets president and general manager Don Waddell is making crucial decisions on what his team might do.He is making choices for them, especially after their upcoming game against the Florida Panthers, which might leave them only one point out of the playoffs or five points away. That small difference may be what makes the Columbus Blue Jackets decide whether to hold on to their veteran players, including those who are pending unrestricted free agents playing key roles on the team.

Boone Jenner, Charlie Coyle among trade assets for Columbus Blue Jackets as NHL deadline nears

Don Waddell recently signified their intention to retain their current roster of veteran players, which includes their team captain, Boone Jenner, center Charlie Coyle, winger Mason Marchment, defenseman Erik Gudbranson and forward Danton Heinen. However, insiders in the league understand that their current situation can easily change depending on their standing in the league and their offers.Of all these players, Charlie Coyle is arguably one of the most valuable players for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

At 34 years old, Coyle is enjoying a phenomenal season for Columbus after being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in a trade just last summer. He has accumulated 46 points in 60 games, consisting of 16 goals and 30 assists. His checking line alongside Mathieu Olivier and Cole Sillinger is a vital component for Columbus.Jenner is a highly sought-after two-way winger known for winning puck races and winning face-offs.

Despite being used in different roles between center and wing this season, he has accumulated 27 points in 45 games while serving as the emotional leader in their locker room.Marchment has also become a major contributor since arriving via trade with the Seattle Kraken in December. The power forward has quickly become a key contributor on a top line with Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko, scoring 17 points in his first 18 games with Columbus.However, the Jackets' greatest asset outside of their players is their flexibility. The Jackets currently have 16 draft picks over the next two years and have a huge salary cap situation, with room for up to $45.5 million in contracts. This could give them a huge opportunity to make trades with other teams and acquire valuable assets.As the deadline draws near, the Jackets' plan will depend on how close they are to a playoff spot and whether they should go for it or hold on to their players for a better tomorrow.