Imminent trade between the Oilers and Jackets?

In recent trade chatter, it seems that the Columbus Blue Jackets cannot be mentioned without the Edmonton Oilers in the same rumor. The Athletic and Jackets specialist Aaron Portzline has revealed yet another speculation that once again links the two teams in an upcoming move.

According to Portzline, Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen would “absolutely listen to any trade talk involving a top-six center as part of a trade for one of their defensemen not named Seth Jones or Zach Werenski.” 

Trade chatter has been sticking to Oilers young forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the past weeks now, especially with Edmonton off to a rough first quarter of the season, and the Jackets are said to be inquiring about the return price to land RNH. 

Portzline believes it would cost the Jackets  “(Ryan) Murray or (Markus) Nutivaara plus some more “today” help for the Oilers.” 

Kekalainen might push and see if the return of veteran blue liner Jack Johnson could be a match. In 22 games with Columbus, Johnson has amassed a goal and four points. His unrestricted free agent status for the 2018 summer is an impediment to a trade. But Portzline still thinks the Jackets and Oilers make sense as trade partners. 

To be continued...