from Aaron Portzline of Puck-Rakers,

Per his contract, Umberger presented the Blue Jackets over the weekend with a list of 10 NHL clubs two which he would not accept a trade. That leaves 19 preferred partners for Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, but the sense around the NHL is that Kekalainen's cell phone is showing more outgoing calls than incoming calls these days.

Umberger could have listed fewer than 10 teams, but why do that? A player and his agent would wisely list as many teams as possible in an attempt to "steer" the trade to his liking. (No, we are not privy to the list.)

The Blue Jackets surely are talking to any NHL GM with ears, even those on the "NOT APPROVED" list. If the only legitimate trade offer the Blue Jackets have is with a team that Umberger has not approved (to Edmonton for Sam Gagner?), expect the Jackets to approach Umberger's camp and try to persuade them.

This will likely all have to come together by the end of the next weekend, when the NHL Draft plays out in Philadelphia.

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