Markus Hannikainen

Hannikainen played in a career-high 33 games for the Blue Jackets last year, settling in as the team's ninth winger and bouncing back and forth between the AHL, NHL press box and parent-club lineup as necessary. The 25-year-old doesn't have the tools to make a big offensive impact, but he's shown some upside in the AHL when partnered with the right linemates and could be a steady point producer if he works his way into a role on the second or third line. Even if Artemi Panarin ends up getting dealt, though, it might take more attrition above Hannikainen on the depth chart to garner that opportunity.

As a clear sign that he’s on the verge of a substantial NHL role, Hannikainen was a perpetual shuffler about the organization’s ranks in 2016-17. The undrafted Finn compiled 19 goals, 18 assists and a steady plus-6 rating with the AHL’s Monsters, and he showed flashes of his potential at the highest level by tacking on a goal and an assist over 10 games and a mere 9:08 of ice time. Columbus is rather stacked on the right wing with a projected line assembly of Nick Foligno, Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson and Oliver Bjorkstrand, but Hannikainen could potentially sneak in a valuable fill-in if the injury bug pays a visit. Still, he can likely be had on the waiver wire after drafts.