via Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch,

The Jackets’ desire for a No. 1 center is well-known, but the free-agent market is short on top-flight centers, so they might need to explore the trade route. Could the Jackets and Sharks be a match? Maybe. The Adam Foote deal gave the Jackets another first-round draft pick (assuming the Avs make the playoffs), so it’s possible they could package one pick with a good player or two and come out with someone to play next to Rick Nash.

Marleau, 28, has struggled this season, with 14 goals and 22 assists and a minus-16 rating, but his track record is impressive. He had 87 and 78 points the previous two seasons.

Do remember, Marleau has a NTC kick-in this summer, so he will have to approve any trade.