However, Mason still has one more year left on his deal, at a $3.2 million cap hit, and a market for the former rookie-of-the-year seemed almost unfeasible.
The Jackets could decide to place the young goalie on waivers and any team looking for a goaltender, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, could give him a chance and get him at half price on re-entry.
Meanwhile, the Jackets are also looking to drop forward Jeff Carter's contract, but his 11-year package at a cap hit of $5.2 million might make him a hard sale to clubs around the league.
The Jackets would need a team with cap room and young bodies in return, while the Los Angeles Kings could investigate a trade in order to reunite Carter and former Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards.
The Kings could potentially offer backup goalie Jonathan Bernier in return as they already have $50 million tied up in players next year.
In 30 games with the Jackets this season, Carter has tallied 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points.
More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades
| No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses
| Top 25 Available Players
| Team-by-Team Cap Info
