Nov 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Nashville Predators are in on trade rumors almost daily as it is well known that they need a Top Six center. Today’s rumor centers around Ryan Johansen.

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It seems as if the Predators are involved with most any rumors that come down the pike lately. Yesterday they centered around Jonathon Drouin and today there is a big rumor involving the Predators and the Columbus Blue Jacket’s Ryan Johansen. Eklund at HockeyBuzz.com reported the following:

Predators “Seriously In” on Ryan Johansen. (e4) Hearing a few names including a top flight defenseman and a veteran forward could be soon heading to Columbus for Ryan Johansen….. There are still other teams casing Johansen…(many more than are currently chasing Drouin for what it is worth….) but the Preds look to be the most far along and they possess the best possible package. Don’t at all be shocked if a veteran player with a big salary number is included by Columbus in this Johansen deal. There are some contracts to be moved by Columbus for sure… more to come.

Ryan Johansen is certainly one of the players that Preds fans are excited about. He is only 23-years old and very talented. Over the past two seasons, he had 59 total goals and 134 points. He has been off a little this season with only six goals and 26 assists but that 26 pts would still put him in a tie for first among Predators forwards. He is definitely a number one center and would have a domino effect on the rest of the lineup for the Preds.

There have been a ton of discussions as to which defenseman the Predators would offer for an elite center. I tend to believe it would be Ryan Ellis or Matias Ekholm along with more. In this case, a “veteran forward” could very well be Colin Wilson who has been mentioned in trade possibilities.

As for a veteran player with a big salary number coming back, there are two players that fit that mold that the Blue Jackets would probably like to part with. They are right up against the cap with less than $2 million to play with. The two players are David Clarkson and Scott Hartnell. Both are over 30-years old and have salaries at or near $5 million per year. Both have been 30 plus goal scorers but may be on the wrong side of their peaks but would be a nice veteran presence on the Preds.

One way or another, it sure is fun getting our trade of the day information and running it up the flagpole. It seems like part of our day is spent Googling Predators Trade Rumors. We really believe that something is going to happen soon. Stay tuned!