The Blue Jackets need to alter their perception to become a destination for top end talent

Put those Dylan Larkin dreams on hold. As the rumor mill continues to churn, it was reported this morning that only three teams are on his preferred destination list this summer. Of course, the Blue Jackets are not on that list.

It's the usual suspects. Or is it?

Naturally, the Vegas Golden Knights are one of the first teams mentioned. And, are we surprised to see the two-time champion Florida Panthers in the running? But, there is one surprise in that group: the Minnesota Wild.

Our expansion brethren have figured it out.

It goes without saying that the Blue Jackets aren't going to compete with Florida or Vegas in this kind of situation. Both teams play in states with no income tax, and that could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in income. Not to mention the weather.

That's not the case with Minnesota. In fact, the Wild are about as close to the Blue Jackets as you are going to get. They entered the league at exactly the same time. They have had similar struggles with competing, though, not quite to the extreme that the Jackets have.

But, despite having Dylan Larkin's best friend in Columbus; it's the Wild that hit his list of preferred destinations-not the Blue Jackets. Why is that?

It's pretty simple. It's obvious that the Wild are turning the corner into contention. Look at the difference in their 25th anniversary season, versus our own. In fact, it's not a stretch to say that Larkin may be the final piece to their puzzle, opening the Stanley Cup window for them for the next few years.

That's because they have been aggressive in going out and getting players the they need to improve. They were patient in drafting and quietly built up a solid prospect pool, despite not picking any higher than 9th overall in any of the last 13 drafts. The Blue Jackets have had 6 picks higher than 9th in that same span.

Then, the Wild used that prospect pool and organizational depth to go out and get one of the best players in the league last season. That gamble paid off, vaulting them into the playoffs with the 7th-best record in the NHL.

You have to take swings to hit home runs.

Quite simply put, coming into this season, were the Wild really all that much better than the Blue Jackets? Sure, they had more star power, and were more proven. But, better enough to become one of the top destinations in the league? I don't think so.

The Quinn Hughes trade changed all of that. GM Bill Guerin went out and made the move, without knowing whether or not he would get Hughes to stay long-term. Now, just 7 months later, I think it's a no brainer. Why would Hughes go anywhere else, unless the goal is simply to play with his brothers?

He has a chance to win in Minnesota. The Wild took a big swing, and hit a home run. Now, instead of being in the mushy middle, they have made themselves a preferable destination for a true #1 center. And, they still have the assets to do it.

This is another lesson for Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets. As we discussed on Friday, you can no longer sit back and wait for this team to turn the corner. They need to make moves this summer to get that done.

It could be the difference between being the Minnesota Wild next season, becoming a destination and competing for the biggest prize. Or, heading into Detroit Red Wings territory: likely starting over from scratch.

Today's free article from the Athletic gives you a glimpse into both sides of this scenario. Lets hope there is something big cooking in Columbus.