The Blue Jackets, trudging toward the worst record in franchise history, may be on the verge of trading the face of the franchise.
According to reports by numerous media outlets, the Blue Jackets have notified a handful of clubs that Rick Nash -- the franchise leader in almost every offensive category and the club's captain since 2008 -- could be traded if GM Scott Howson is presented with a suitable offer.
"We're open to all options to try to improve the team," Howson told The Columbus Dispatch on Tuesday.
Nash, 27, has a no-movement clause in his contract. But after the Blue Jackets approached him and agent Joe Resnick over the weekend, Nash agreed to provide them with a list of clubs he'd be willing to join, The Dispatch reported.
"The last couple of weeks, there have been so many rumors," Nash told reporters in Columbus on Tuesday. "And when a team loses, more rumors keep on surfacing. That's how it seems to be right now.
"I'm a Blue Jacket right now. I've played my whole career here and it's a special place to me. So, as of right now, I'm a Blue Jacket."
It could be a sign the Blue Jackets are planning a massive overhaul of the roster.
Previously it's been reported that the Jackets are trying to trade Jeff Carter, and it's believed that Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Sammy Pahlsson and others may be available via trade before the Feb. 27 trade deadline.
Columbus beat the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday 2-1 and next host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
NOTES, QUOTES
Columbus snaps Central Division skid
--The Blue Jackets' 2-1 win over St. Louis on Tuesday ended a nine-game losing streak vs. Central Division opponents. The Jackets had been 0-7-2 since a Nov. 19, 2011 win in Nashville.
--Defenseman James Wisniewski scored a power-play goal with 00.1 second remaining in the first period, the sixth straight game in which the Blue Jackets have scored with a man advantage.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "As of right now, I'm a Blue Jacket." -- Captain Rick Nash, responding to rumors that the Blue Jackets are open to trading him before the Feb. 27 trade deadline.
ROSTER REPORT
PLAYER NOTES:
--C Mark Letestu returned to the Blue Jackets. He had been out since Jan. 5 with a broken right hand. Letestu had one assist and a game-high six shots on goal.
--RW Derek Dorsett scored his 10th goal of the season in Tuesday's 2-1 win over St. Louis. It was his first game-winning goal of the season.
--G Steve Mason earned his 84th NHL win on Tuesday, matching Marc Denis' franchise record. Denis is 7-20-2 this season.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--LW Kristian Huselius (lower body) is out until late February.
--D Radek Martinek (concussion) is out for the season.
--D Nikita Nikitin (left knee) is out indefinitely.
--D Brett Lebda (broken thumb) is out until late February.
--D Marc Methot (broken jaw) is out for the season.
--RW Jared Boll (broken foot) is out four-to-six weeks.
