NHL trade rumors Blue Jackets shopping James Wisniewsk

RUMOR: The Blue Jackets are hopeful they'll be able to find a trade partner for high-paid,high-scoring defenseman James Wisniewskibefore the deadline Monday afternoon. REPORTED BY: MORE: | DETAILS: Wisniewski was a surprise healthy scratch on Sunday, though he returned to the lineup Tuesday, leading to the inevitable speculation that he could soon become part of a trade.General manager Jarmo Kekalainen denied that there was a deal in the works.Coach Todd Richards confirmed there was no injury, saying simply,We want him to be better." Wisniewskihas two years remaining on his contract, which counts$5.5 million against the salary cap. THIS SEASON: Diego Castillo Jersey Wisniewskileads all Blue Jackets defensemen inscoring for the second consecutive seasonwithseven goals and 27 points in 52 games. And thoughhe's a minus-6, he logs big minutes (21:22) and quarterbacks Columbus' top power-play unit. SN's TAKE: A number of teams are said to be in the market for a right-handed defenseman heading into the deadline. With Columbus11 points out of a playoff spot and Wisniewski, 31, nearing the end of his contract, this could be an opportune moment to maximize value. And while thecap hit might limit his suitors, the nine-year vet is due just $8 million over the next two years because of the way his contract was structured. Cody Morris Jersey