Report: Blue Jackets, Predators trade talks 'have intensified'
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators are reportedly talking trade, and discussions are intensifying, according to The Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline.
Nashville's desperate for offense, averaging 2.6 goals per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Its top two leading scorers, Roman Josi and Shea Weber - who were both named All-Stars on Wednesday - are defensemen.
The relationship between Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen and new head coach John Tortorella got off to a very rocky start, so it's possible talks could center around the 23-year-old. Johansen's signed through 2016-17 at a cap hit of $4 million, and will be a restricted free agent once his deal's up.
Columbus, meanwhile, could use help on defense, and the Predators boast a deep blue line. The Blue Jackets have allowed a NHL-worst 131 goals. There's some smoke, in other words, to what could be a rather massive fire.
It was also revealed over the weekend that Blue Jackets prospect Kerby Rychel had requested a trade, so he could be involved, too.