Are The Columbus Blue Jackets Willing To Trade A Defenseman?

February 11, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Cody Goloubef (48) turns the puck back up the ice as San Jose Sharks center Tommy Wingels (57) pressures him at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets defense has really been on my mind as of late. It is not a stacked defense by any means but it is beginning to be overcrowded. Especially if Ryan Murray makes a big splash come September. Other defenseman that you can include in the overcrowded blue line chatter could be; Cody Goloubef, and even David Savard.

So do the Blue Jackets stick with the six they have right now? Johnson, Wisniewski, Tyutin, Nikitin, Prout, and Erixon. Or do they attempt to unload one or more of the aforementioned players and move forward with a younger defensive core.

In my post last night, I wrote about making room for Ryan Murray to be able to play at the NHL level. I suggested dumping Wiz, strictly because his play doesn’t always match his paycheck. Other fans, who I was chatting with last night, suggested Nikitin be moved. Sloppy and inconsistent play has not exactly made him a fan favorite.

Jun 6, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) is checked into the boards by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Robyn Regehr (44) in the third period of game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

So what could we get for an NHL experienced defenseman on the trade market. Last year at the trade deadline, middle of the road/experienced defenseman were going for two picks. Robyn Regehr was traded from Buffalo to L.A. for two second round picks, 2014 and 2015. Buffalo also traded Jordan Leopold to St. Louis for a second rounder and a fifth rounder (conditional). “What could we get now?” You may find yourself asking. In the offseason, probably not much more, maybe a prospect instead of an early round pick.

If Jarmo is considering trading a defender to make some room, it probably won’t come until shortly into the season. Teams may realize that they need another defender, whether it be due to injury or just trying to add more depth. At this point the Blue jackets could see more of a return for one of their blue liners.

I guess you have to revisit the title of this post to find your answer. Are the Columbus Blue Jackets willing to trade away a defenseman to make room for Ryan Murray and others in the near future? My answer; if the return is good, I would be happy about it.

What are your thoughts about trading away a defender? If its a good idea, who do you put on the trading block? Comment below, tweet us, or share your thoughts on our Facebook page.