Rumour: Imminent trade for the Jackets

Forward Cam Atkinson signed a seven-year, $41.125 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday; a deal that has an average annual value of $5.875 million.

The 28-year-old is in the final season of a three-year contract and could have been an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2018. The Jackets did not want to risk losing him and remedied the situation. 

Now, another situation needs to be taken care of. And according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets are not wasting time. The team has been said to be looking to add a forward to its roster, and Atkinson's signing may have put things in motion. 

The Jackets are now seriously looking to land a centre now that they have a better idea of their financial situation and the future. 

Columbus is however not the only club looking for an offensive boost as the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins are also said to be hunting a top forward. 

However, the Jackets appear to have a pressing need now that Atkinson is in the books and we could see a move shortly in Columbus.