The Blue Jackets are in the same position as a number of teams in the West. One minute they're out of contention, the next they are right in the thick of things. Coming off a 2009-10 season that saw them struggle along in the 14th spot, the Blue Jackets have had one of those inconsistent years that coaches dread -- the good thing being the club is starting to show some grit at the right time.
Fifty-nine games into the NHL season, the Jackets are in the 12th spot but a scant two points out of the coveted postseason berth. As always, they are powered by Rick Nash (right) and RJ Umberger. They don't have enviable cap space available, but there is room to add someone to make a last-ditch push.
NEEDS
The two things Columbus has needed ever since the inception of the club is an offensively skilled defenseman and a No. 1 center. Their dream would be to snare Brad Richards -- and who wouldn't? -- but as an unrestricted free agent, he's expected to go to a team that will be able to afford him for years to come. With Derick Brassard and Antoine Vermette experiencing more individual success this year, that particular want has been lessened somewhat.
Defense-wise, a couple of guys on their radar are Dennis Wideman and the well-traveled Bryan McCabe, both currently on Florida's blue line.
The Blue Jackets may want to shop defenseman Rostislav Klesla -- $3 million per year with three years left -- and Kristian Huselius' name is constantly being mentioned, though his $4.24 million price tag for next season may be a bit pricey for most fiscally-conservative clubs. There may be a team, however, that will take that particular plunge. Young forward Jakub Voracek, a restricted free agent at the end of the season, has also been mentioned in talks this week, as has goalie Mathieu Garon.
THE VERDICT
While even a couple of weeks ago the Blue Jackets would have dumped anyone, save Nash and Umberger, come trade deadline time they'll be viewed as a buyer. For the first time in their history, the talk is that they'll be even willing to trade their first-round pick -- something they've never done and which goes against their mandate -- in order to get something they really covet. And that would be an inviting deal for any other seller in the marketplace.
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