It has just been confirmed that the Nashville Predators have traded young defenceman Seth Jones to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for star forward Ryan Johansen.
Nashville Acquires Ryan Johansen from Columbus for Seth Jones
Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones. Straight up. Deal done.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 6, 2016
#CBJ acquires Seth Jones from the @PredsNHL in exchange for Ryan Johansen. MORE: https://t.co/qhKzRydaFp pic.twitter.com/kX635Km9VT
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 6, 2016
Rumours began circulating in recent days that the two teams were in serious trade talks, and both Johansen’s and Jones’s names were mentioned with relative frequency. The Blue Jackets sit last in the Metropolitan Division, and it had been speculated that they were shopping their young former all-star, with the Vancouver Canucks apparently pursuing him as well. Ryan Johansen has 26 points this year in 38 games (good for third in team scoring), including 20 assists. Rumblings of conflict with Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella may have contributed to Johansen being shipped out of Columbus.
Seth Jones, drafted 4th overall in 2013 as the year’s most highly-touted defensive prospect, has posted 11 points this season in 40 games, featuring most often on the second pairing with Barret Jackman. The Predators boast a lot of depth on the blueline, headlined by 2016 all-stars Shea Weber and Roman Josi, and can afford to give up Jones in exchange for some scoring talent up front. Currently sitting in the Western Conference’s last wildcard spot, Nashville could be looking to stock up for a deep playoff run this season, with their window of opportunity closing as Shea Weber ages. He is the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones.
Main Photo: COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 27: Ryan Johansen #19 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck during the game against the Nashville Predators on April 27, 2013 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Nashville 3-1. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
