November 9, 2008 | 10:24am ET Blue Jackets looking to deal?
TheFourthPeriod.com
According to the Ottawa Sun, the Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to shake things up and would like to make a move.
The paper suggests defenseman Christian Backman, center Jiri Novotny and goalie Frederik Norreno are being dangled as trade bait.
Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson hasn't received much interest in his available players thus far, the Sun claims.
Meanwhile, Blue Jackets star Rick Nash isn't worried about signing a new contract. He can't become an unrestricted free agent until after the 2010-11 season.
"If it's meant to be, it's meant to be," Nash told the Columbus Dispatch. "We've been over this, and both sides know I want to stay here."
From the Editor:
Every team would love the opportunity to make a trade that betters their franchise. But that's obviously much easier said than done. The Blue Jackets are currently in the playoff picture, and if they young guns continue to fire, they'll compete for a playoff spot this season. If they can make a move to improve their chances, Howson will definitely consider it. As for Nash, there's no need to comment on his status. He likes Columbus. The team isn't going to trade him. Negotiations on a new deal can't start until July 1, 2009. The end. -- David Pagnotta
