Metropolitan Division Trade Deadline Preview

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Sep 23, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik (10) stick handles against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

STANDINGS: 65 PTS, T-5 in Metropolitan, T 10th in Eastern Conference

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS/ STATUS:  Playoff hopeful / Buyer & Seller?

NEEDS:  A top end scorer

DEADLINE CAP SPACE:  $2.1M

ASSETS TO DEAL:  With top paid player Marian Gaborik a pending UFA, his name has popped up as being available for the right offer.

RUMORS:  Columbus has been mentioned in the Ryan Kesler derby.  That would be a major move but the Jackets have not shown an aversion to making the big deals.