NHL Trade Rumors: Jeff Carter Traded to Los Angeles Kings?

Ever since the Columbus Blue Jackets stated that their captain Rick Nash was for sale, the Los Angeles Kings were rumored to be interested.

The Kings sit dead last when it comes to scoring and are in desperate need of some help if they have any hopes of making it to the playoffs.

The Jackets are asking for a lot in return for Nash, almost too much according to some, which has caused certain teams to back off of trying to acquire the 27-year-old.

The Kings may be one of those teams, as it is being reported tonight by Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch via Twitter that the Kings and Jackets have begun serious talks about the Kings acquiring center Jeff Carter,

"#CBJ and #LAKings deal possible tonight. Two sides in serious talks now. G Jonathan Bernier not part of the talks."

Carter was acquired by the Blue Jackets during the offseason when the Jackets shipped their first round pick in the 2011 entry draft as well as talented youngster Jakub Voracek in return for the All-Star center.

The 27-year-old was supposed to be the top-line center the Jackets had been pining for to play alongside Nash and make the Jackets a threat in the Western Conference.

However, due to injuries throughout the season as well as a rumored request for a trade back in November, Carter has not worked out for the Jackets and the front office is looking for a clean break.

Carter and Nash both bring with them long-term contracts that will be hard to move, but it seems that the Jackets may have been able to rid themselves of at least one of them.

One of the main reasons that the Jackets were interested in talking with the Kings before the trade deadline was because of talented goaltender Johnathan Bernier as the Jackets are in desperate need of a No. 1 goaltender after Steve Mason is having yet another unimpressive season.

According to Portzline, however, Bernier does not seem to be part of a deal for Carter.

One of the names being brought up a lot in the deal is defenseman Jack Johnson.

After having a career year last season with highs in assists (37) and points (42), Johnson has had an off year this season, but is still projected to have another 30-plus year in points.

Johnson is only 25 years old and could help lead the Jackets' planned youth movement. Having a player of Johnson's caliber would be a huge upgrade on Columbus' blue line alongside James Wisniewski.

If this deal were to happen, both the Jackets and Kings will be coming out on top.

The Jackets will get the defensive help they have desired and the Kings will get that scoring punch they have been desperate for all season, as Carter will be reunited with former roommate and Flyers captain Mike Richards.

It is unknown who or what else is involved in the deal, but it seems the next few days will be very interesting in Columbus.