On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: With Jack Johnson‘s trade request made public, it puts more pressure on GM Jarmo Kekalainen.
“It’s the same with (Jack) as it is with anybody else on our team,” Kekalainen said. “We’ll make a trade when we have something that makes sense for the Blue Jackets. That’s our job.”
The Blue Jackets are in a win-now mode and won’t interested in trading for draft picks unless they are certain that they could trade those assets immediately for defensive help.
One GM said he wasn’t certain that contending teams view Johnson as a top-four defenseman.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are believed to be looking for a defenseman. The Maple Leafs have pending free agent Tyler Bozak, and he could be available.
On Eastern Conference team needs and wants …
Frank Seravalli of TSN: Looking at Eastern Conference team needs and wants heading into next month’s trade deadline and for the remainder of the season.
Boston Bruins – A versatile left-handed defenseman. Do they look to make a big move? Would Penguins Ian Cole be a fit?
Buffalo Sabres – Increasing their draft lottery odds. Could move Evander Kane. Had a close up look at Rasmus Dahlin during the World Junior Championships in Buffalo.
Carolina Hurricanes – Finding a true difference maker. A team on the rise but they don’t have a true star to get them over the top. May have to wait until the offseason.
Columbus Blue Jackets – Depth down the middle. Could they move Jack Johnson in a rental-for-rental deal?
Detroit Red Wings – Getting a big return for defenseman Mike Green.
Florida Panthers – Could use scoring depth for their third/fourth lines. Likely out of the playoff race so may wait until the offseason.
Montreal Canadiens – Still need a number one center.
New Jersey Devils – Enjoying their run. Unlikely that Devils move out future assets for a playoff run.
New York Islanders – Could use a goaltender. The main priority is to make sure John Tavares is happy.
New York Rangers – Should listen to anything. Not really in sell mode, but could listen on pending UFAs Rick Nash or Michael Grabner.
Ottawa Senators – To move out salary.
Philadelphia Flyers – Won’t be trading futures for a big playoff push, but might look to add something at a modest price.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Finding a third-line center.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Right-handed top-four defenseman. Have considered Cody Ceci.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Right-handed top-four defenseman.
