The Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche completed a trade on Friday, June 27, 2025, that sees Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood head to Columbus in exchange for Gavin Brindley, a conditional 2027 second-round pick, and the 77th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Here's a breakdown of the trade and a grade for the Blue Jackets:
What Columbus Gets
The Blue Jackets are adding two veteran players to their forward group. Charlie Coyle, 33, is a versatile, two-way player with considerable NHL experience. He has played 950 career games with the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, and Avalanche, amassing 189 goals and 296 assists for 485 points. Coyle is also a proven playoff performer, with 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 126 career playoff games. He is in the final year of a six-year, $31.5 million contract. Miles Wood, 29, is a speedy winger known for his physicality and energy. In 513 career games with the New Jersey Devils and Avalanche, Wood has recorded 91 goals and 91 assists. He has four years remaining on his contract with a $2.5 million AAV.
What Columbus Gives Up
Gavin Brindley, 20, was Columbus' second-round pick (34th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft. He is a skilled, undersized winger who had a strong sophomore season at the University of Michigan, leading the Wolverines in scoring with 25 goals and 53 points in 40 games. He also played 52 games with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL in 2024-25, recording 6 goals and 11 assists. The Blue Jackets also parted with a third-round pick in the 2025 draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.
Blue Jackets' Perspective
Columbus General Manager Don Waddell expressed excitement about adding Coyle and Wood to the Blue Jackets. He praised Coyle's experience, two-way ability, size, and versatility, while highlighting Wood's speed, energy, and physicality. Waddell believes that both players are high-character individuals who will fit in well with the team's culture and contribute to building a winning environment.
The Blue Jackets, who narrowly missed the playoffs in 2024-25, are looking to take the next step and contend for a playoff spot. With a significant amount of cap space available, Columbus can afford to take on the combined $7.75 million cap hit of Coyle and Wood. Coyle is expected to slot into the third-line center role and contribute on the penalty kill, while also providing leadership and mentorship to the team's young players. Wood will add depth and energy to the wing, playing a hard, honest game.
Grade: B-
The Blue Jackets' acquisition of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood addresses the team's need for veteran leadership, two-way ability, and depth in the forward ranks. Coyle's versatility and playoff experience will be valuable assets, while Wood's speed and physicality will make the team harder to play against. However, the cost of acquiring these players is significant, as the Blue Jackets had to part with a promising prospect in Gavin Brindley and two draft picks. While Brindley is not a guaranteed NHL star, he has high-end potential, and giving him up before he had a chance to establish himself at the NHL level is a gamble. Ultimately, this trade is a calculated risk for the Blue Jackets, as they are betting that Coyle and Wood can help them make a playoff push in the short term, even if it means sacrificing a potentially valuable asset in Brindley. If Coyle and Wood can elevate their game in Columbus and contribute to a playoff berth, the trade will be considered a success. If not, the Blue Jackets may regret giving up on Brindley too soon.
