NHL Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets Players Preparing for Busy Deadline Day

The build-up to the NHL trade deadline is quite stressful for many players, but this season, most of the nervous energy on Monday's deadline will center around the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have two star players in captain Rick Nash and Jeff Carter who might not be with team for much longer.

"

"Game days, you're busy getting ready," Blue Jackets winger R.J. Umberger said via the Columbus Dispatch. "Practice days you have more time. More time to think, more time to spend on the internet, more time to worry about what might be happening."

"

Players can say that they aren't paying attention to the rumors of where they'll go if traded, but as normal human beings, the uncertainty of your future makes deadline day an incredibly difficult time.

The Blue Jackets appear to be in full sellers mode, and even after trading forward Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday, it's very unlikely that general manager Scott Howson is done dealing.

According to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, the team appears to be readying for a major  announcement.

"

And, down the hall from the dressing room, the "press conference" room is being rearranged to handle a large crowd, such as one a big trade might draw.

"

Howson has been talking to teams this month about possible trades for his two star forwards, winger Rick Nash and center Jeff Carter, both of whom are tremendous offensive talents.

Teams interested in Nash include the San Jose Sharks and the New York Rangers, as well as the Los Angeles Kings. Carter would likely be the consolation prize for teams unable to acquire Nash.

Players who think they might be dealt will certainly make sure they have what they need so they will be ready when their team informs that they have been traded.

Via Portzline:

"

One player today said that he has a small duffel bag packed and ready to go -- enough to get through a day or two -- in case he's traded and needs to catch a flight on a moment's notice. He said he's not alone. "I'm sure a lot of players are ready like that."

"

For many NHL fans, it would be shocking if Nash and Carter, especially Nash, don't get the call from Howson on Monday telling them that they have been traded.

Both players are under contract for many more years, Nash six more, Carter a decade, but even though the Blue Jackets aren't under immense pressure to trade either player, they're so far into the process that there's really no point giving up now.

Nash is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract, and clearly isn't opposed to leaving the Blue Jackets if the team found a trade. After already going through a rebuilding period during most of his time in Columbus, there's little reason for Nash to go through another, especially when it will happen during the prime of his career.

As Monday approaches, the tension around the Blue Jackets will only grow more intense. The entire NHL, including many fans in the New York and California markets will watch with great interest on what Columbus decides to do on Monday, and whatever happens, it will not be a fun day for the franchise.

Follow @NicholasGoss35

Follow Nicholas Goss on Twitter for NHL news and analysis. 

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.