Countdown to deadline is on like donkey kong!

The Dispatch got things churning this morning with a good read on what the Jackets are looking for and what they won't give up come the trade deadline.

Some highlights:

Center or defensemen?
Barring an epic collapse in the next few weeks, Howson and the Blue Jackets expect to be first-time buyers March 4. And the No. 1 target will be the same that the Blue Jackets have tried -- and failed -- to hit since long before Howson became general manager: a center.

The Blue Jackets also could use a skilled defenseman with a right-handed shot, but it's not atop the list.

"I really like our group of defensemen," Howson said.

Potential targets:
Player Current team Age Remark
Nik Antropov Toronto 28 Great size: 6-6, 235
Radek Bonk Nashville 33 Dealing with division rival unusual
Chris Kelly Ottawa 28 But will he be available?
Matthew Lombardi Calgary 26 Knows Rick Nash
Todd Marchant Anaheim 35 Former Blue Jacket
Marty Reasoner Atlanta 31 Another Thrashers trade?
Keith Tkachuk St. Louis 36 Can be dressing-room distraction
Doug Weight N.Y. Islanders 38 Slow, getting slower

What they won't give up to get one:
They're willing to spend the money, Howson said, but they must keep payroll space available to keep their cadre of future stars. Steve Mason, Derick Brassard, Jake Voracek, Kris Russell, Nikita Filatov, etc., will need new contracts within the next few seasons.

Unless a stunning deal is dropped at Howson's feet, all five of those youngsters will be deemed off-limits in any possible trades.

Reaction:
I agree with him 100% that he should not deal his blue chip young talent. The core of championship teams are built from within with strong player development, top shelf coaching and then complimented with UFAs/trades/etc. There just aren't any shortcuts. Guys like Nash, Mason, Russell, Voracek, Brassard and Filatov are the guys who will lead this team to success.

Unfortunately for Jacket fans we are on rebuild #2 here since the first administration failed with rebuild #1 so its taking longer than it should have. Still Howson must stick to the formula that works when executed properly.

I'm also on board with not trading the #1 pick unless its a special offer. I've said this before but a market like Columbus and in a salary capped environment Howson has to keep the pipeline stocked as they must augment their lineup with cheap quality talent.... you only find that through the draft. There may come a time when Howson "goes for it"...i.e. takes a shot at the cup... but now is not that time.

I don't agree that center is our most pressing need. Its is certainly is a pressing need and I agree with everything they say about why this team needs a center but I think equally as much we need more help on the powerplay on the backend.

I watch teams with successfull powerplays and everything is generated from the points... teams do not respect our blueline on the powerplay because we just are not quick enough moving the puck and we are not getting nearly enough pucks through from the point. Pressure our points and more often than not the opposition is going to kill the man advantage.

If I'm Howson I'm looking to address both areas. He may not be able to get the pieces he wants to fill both holes but if you limit yourself to just a center then you may miss out on a better piece to help your club.

I'll have a fun look a little later about how I'm "classifying" this year's trade targets.

Assuming this team doesn't fall off of a cliff over the next 13 games it sure will be nice to be "buyers" for a change.

Also be sure to check out TSN's Trade Center page.

The trade deadline is March 4th.

-LTL