Columbus Blue Jackets Buyers as Trade Deadline Looms

With the 2009 NHL trade deadline only a day away there is palpable anxiety in Ohio's capital city. 

From newspaper articles to radio and television reports and casual conversation there is a growing wave of anticipation as to what deal looms on the horizon for the Blue Jackets. 

New general manager Scott Howson finds himself in a situation where he must deliver at the trade deadline. 

For the first time in their history, the Blue Jackets are buyers in March. 

The Blue Jackets currently occupy the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings, but are only four points ahead of Dallas in the 11th spot.  With fans still trying to get the sour taste of Doug McLean out of their collective mouths, they are watching Howson very closely.  Attendance is finally rebounding after several down seasons in hopes of an opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. 

One thing is certain—the Blue Jackets are better, but not at the level of a San Jose or Detroit.  With a very good nucleus of young players to compliment superstar Rick Nash the future looks bright, but the frustrated fan base is demanding results now. 

To add to the pressures upon Howson, the annual season ticket renewals are due shortly after the trade deadline.  Should Howson fail to improve the team or do nothing and the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs, it could be a disaster as the general pulse seems to be playoffs this season or bust.

Howson has players he can move without disturbing the young nucleus of the club.  Pascal Leclair and Rusty Klesla come to mind. 

With the emergence of Steve Mason, the injury-prone Leclair has become expendable.  Leclair could fill a backup need for a contending club, or be a future starter for a team with obvious needs at the position.  The one issue with Leclair is his injury history, which could make it difficult to move him and his 3.$8 million salary. 

Klesla is another player who should be moved.  Klesla was the first player ever selected by the Blue Jackets.  Perhaps this explains the clubs reluctance to part with him despite the fact that he is an average, at best, NHL defender.

As Howson has stated in the past, he would like to acquire a first-line center to play along side Nash.  Beyond that, he needs to invest in one or two defenders to solidify the blue line. 

One thing is evident, anything can happen at this time of year and theoretically, no one is safe.  Whatever course Howson takes by tomorrow's deadline will be met with great scrutiny in a city that has yet to witness an NHL playoff game.