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NHL Trade Rumors: Ryan Johansen on the trade block

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have been fielding offers for center Ryan Johansen and they are open to the idea of trading the troubled center.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a slow start to the 2015 season under new head coach John Tortorella. They currently own an 8-14-0 record. That puts them in last place in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. They have the second-worst record in the NHL and only the Edmonton Oilers have a worse record than Columbus. Blue Jackets management has shown that their play is not acceptable and that they are willing to move anyone to help rebuild their team. One of those guys could be center Ryan Johansen.

Dreger points out on Insider Trading that the Blue Jackets aren’t actively trying to trade him, but that they are at least listening to offers for him. He also points out that his minutes have decreased recently under Tortorella. Johansen has some health concerns, but that shouldn’t negatively affect his value too much because he is so talented.

Ryan Johansen has 16 points in 20 games so far this season. He has four goals and 12 assists. His production is not the issue. What’s likely the issue is Johansen’s defense. Tortorella has a history of having “his guys”. To be one of “his guys”, players have to be able to be responsible in their own zone. Johansen struggles with that at times. Tortorella has proven throughout his career that he will bench anyone who isn’t buying him to what he preaches.

The Blue Jackets will likely want a huge package in return for Johansen. He’s a 23-year-old center who has been a borderline point-per-game player over the past two seasons. There are many teams that could be a great fit for Johansen. The most obvious one would be the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have the prospects to get the deal done and they desperately lack skill. The New Jersey Devils and Nashville Predators are two other teams that could be interested in Ryan Johansen.

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