[sureLoss]

Potential blockbuster forming up.

http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/...intensify.html

The Blue Jackets may be on the verge of a big trade with a once-upon-a-time rival in the Central Division.

Multiple sources have told The Dispatch that trade talks between the Blue Jackets and the Nashville Predators have intensified in recent days, with Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and Predators GM David Poile zeroing in on a blockbuster.

The two clubs would seem a perfect fit.

The Blue Jackets have made it clear they'd be willing to trade struggling center Ryan Johansen, and the Predators have a desperate need for an offensive boost, especially in the form of a prototype No. 1 center. Johansen, 23, was MVP of the All-Star Game last season, but he has fallen off precipitously this season.

Meanwhile, the Predators' most abundant asset -- defense -- is also the Blue Jackets' biggest need. It's unlikely Nashville would trade Shea Weber or Roman Josi, but 21-year-old Seth Jones, the No. 4 overall pick in 2013, could be available.

Many NHL scouts and experts project Jones, the son of former NBA player and current NBA assistant coach Popeye Jones, as a future No. 1 defenseman.

The Blue Jackets may also want to unload a long-term contract in the deal. Two names that have been mentioned in a possible deal with Nashville: defenseman Fedor Tyutin and forward Scott Hartnell, who was drafted by the Predators in 2000 and spent the first six years of his NHL career in Music City.

There are several contracts the Blue Jackets may want to unload: Jared Boll, Rene Bourque, Gregory Campbell and David Clarkson, but it might be hard to find takers for those players.

Also, Blue Jackets prospect forward Kerby Rychel could be in play. Rychel, one of three first-round picks in 2013, has barely sniffed the NHL despite emerging as a point-a-game player in the American Hockey League. The Dispatch reported on Sunday that Rychel has requested a trade.

The Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks are also said to be pursuing Johansen, who has said repeatedly that he doesn't want to be traded by Columbus. But he recognizes the situation.