Patrick Marleau for Nikolai Zherdev and the Blue Jackets' 6th Overall Pick?

That is what this article is reporting as a potential deal:

So let me add this to the mix: A neutral NHL source advises that the Sharks and Columbus are indeed close to a deal. San Jose would send Marleau and another unspecified player to the Blue Jackets for their first-round draft pick—sixth overall in the NHL Entry Draft—and right wing Nikolai Zherdev.

That would certainly register as a blockbuster.

Okay, I've thought about it and I would not do it. Not with the sixth pick.

I just don't think Marleau is worth the Jackets' first pick and Zherdev. Not in this draft.

Admittedly, the unknown add-on from San Jose might change my view, but I doubt it as I don't see San Jose willing to throw much more of value in on this deal.

I think we could get a better player for the pick if we wanted to move it, especially in a package deal. Marleau is good and certainly worth a good return, but he's only signed for two more years and could very well walk as a UFA at that point.

I would package Zherdev plus the 19th and maybe another asset for Marleau. That is as far as I would go.

Instead, I think I'd take my chances using other assets to obtain maybe two second line centers like an RJ Umberger or Antoine Vermette, both of whom are younger, cheaper and had over 50 points last season.

Marleau, who is 29, had just 48 points last year and was a -19. He's scheduled to make $6.3 million the next two seasons. It's a big risk to give up those kinds of assets only to have him produce those kinds of numbers.

Getting two top six guys likeUmberger may not carry the same "shock and awe" value a Marleau trade might, but I think they would certainly improve the middle of the ice for us and allow us to go out and get more help at defense and foward. Plus it gives Hitch options should injuries occur.

If I'm moving the sixth pick, I'm talking about a top 10 to 15 defenseman in the league—like a Thomas Kaberle. Or a young and flourishing center like Jordan Staal or Jeff Carter. We need guys who can grow with the team and will be around longer than two seasons.

Discuss-would you do that deal?

-LTL