The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant move to bolster their roster, acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche. In exchange, the Avalanche receive forward Gavin Brindley, a third-round pick (77th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, and a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The trade was announced by Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell on Friday.
Waddell expressed his excitement about welcoming Coyle and Wood to the Blue Jackets organization. He praised Coyle as an experienced, two-way player who brings size and versatility to the team, while highlighting Wood's exceptional speed, energy, and physicality. Waddell also emphasized that both players are high-character individuals who will fit in well with the team's culture and vision.
Coyle, 33, is a veteran center with a wealth of NHL experience. Over his 13-year career, he has played 950 regular-season games with the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Avalanche, recording 189 goals and 296 assists for 485 points. He has also appeared in 126 Stanley Cup Playoff games, contributing 26 goals and 27 assists for 53 points. Last season, Coyle split time between the Bruins and Avalanche, tallying 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points in 83 games. He was initially acquired by Colorado from Boston at the trade deadline. Coyle is in the final year of a six-year, $31.5 million contract with a $5.25 million average annual value and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Wood, 29, is a speedy winger known for his physicality and energy. In 513 career regular-season games with the New Jersey Devils and Avalanche, he has accumulated 91 goals and 91 assists for 182 points. He has also played in 25 playoff games, scoring five goals. In 37 regular-season games with Colorado last season, Wood recorded four goals and four assists. Wood is currently under contract for four more years with a $2.5 million AAV.
The Avalanche's acquisition of Gavin Brindley provides them with a promising young forward. Brindley, 20, was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the second round (34th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He played one game with Columbus this season and also played 52 games with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League, where he posted six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. Before turning pro, Brindley had a successful college career at the University of Michigan, where he led the Wolverines in scoring with 25 goals and 53 points in 40 games during his sophomore season.
This trade provides the Avalanche with significant cap space, freeing up $7.75 million. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, add experience and depth to their forward ranks as they aim to build on their near-playoff run last season. According to sources, the Blue Jackets are looking to make more big moves at the 2025 NHL Draft.
