For at least two years now, the narrative looming over the Columbus Blue Jackets is that — for a combination of factors — they struggle to retain top talent. It defines their reputation around the league, as reflected in this tweet from The Athletic’s Montreal writer:
At some point, Columbus is going to have to address the fact almost everyone eventually leaves.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) July 23, 2021
This comment was made as news broke about the trade of Seth Jones.