Over the weekend, it was discussed in a rumor blog that the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders were in serious trade discussions. The apparent rumor is Ryan Johansen and a second round pick for Kyle Okposo, a first round pick, and Travis Hamonic (who would then be dealt to Calgary).
For the pieces the Islanders are giving up, that is a lot to give up, though the Islanders are okay with dealing these pieces. It seems that the Islanders and Okposo are agreeing on anything in contract talks, and Travis Hamonic has asked for a trade to Western Canada, and a three-way deal may facilitate that process for the Islanders.
For Columbus, the trade of a number one center like Johansen still surprises me. He is too valuable too trade. His talents are needed here, and just about anywhere. The Jackets are running the risk of playing Johansen five times a year as well, and imagine the damage Johansen could do to Columbus.
As for Okposo in Columbus, he would create a log jam on the wing for Columbus. For a top six winger that he is, he'll have to compete with Brandon Saad, Nick Foligno, Scott Hartnell, and Cam Atkinson for top-6 ice time. Plus, they have prospects like Kerby Rychel, Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand in Lake Erie trying the crack the lineup.
As for the Hamonic in the package, and then being flipped, would Dennis Wideman or Kris Russell make sense in a return? Or both? Maybe a discounted prices? Anything seems to be possible at this point.
What are your thoughts on a interdivision franchise deal? What are your thoughts on Ryan Johansen? What about Travis Hamonic? More to come...