Fansided

5 notable NHL players who weren’t traded at the deadline

By Jeremy Lambert

OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) tracks the play during second period National Hockey League action between the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators on February 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - FEBRUARY 24: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) tracks the play during second period National Hockey League action between the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators on February 24, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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4. Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Like Mike Green, Johnson is an unrestricted free agent. Unlike the Red Wings, the Blue Jackets are a playoff contender. Right now, they currently sit second in the Wild Card spot, four points ahead of the New York Islanders.

Johnson had requested a trade at the end of January, but the Blue Jackets were smart to hold on to him if they didn’t get an offer that they liked. Yes, they will likely lose him for nothing in the offseason. That’s a risk they were willing to take in order to maintain their place in the standings.

Here’s the thing with Johnson and the Blue Jackets: winning cures all.

There is no risk of Johnson checking out on Columbus. He might be a bit unhappy that he’s still in Columbus, but he should be thrilled that he’s still on a playoff team. Every player wants to win a Stanley Cup. The Blue Jackets are in a position to compete for the Cup, especially after the moves they made at the deadline. Johnson should be thankful to the organization that they kept him instead of trading him to Montreal or some other lottery team.

Had the Blue Jackets found the right offer, I’m sure they would have made a deal. No team wants to lose a player for nothing, especially when that player has more or less said, “I don’t want to be here.”

Columbus might regret not moving Johnson if they don’t win a playoff game and he signs elsewhere in July. But for now, it’s business as usual for both parties.

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