from Aaron Portzline of Puck-Rakers,

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.

continued